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CITY OF ATASCADERO
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 5, 2013 – 7:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers
6907 El Camino Real
Atascadero, California
CALL TO ORDER
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call: Chairperson Ward
Vice Chairperson Vacant
Commissioner Anderson
Commissioner Bentz
Commissioner Colamarino
Commissioner Cooper
Commissioner Dariz
Commissioner Wolff
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENT
(This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Commission on any matter not
on this agenda and over which the Commission has jurisdiction. Speakers are limited to three minutes.
Please state your name for the record before making your presentation. The Commission may take action
to direct the staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda.)
PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Agenda Regular Meeting, March 5, 2013
Page 2 of 3
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CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items on the consent calendar are considered to be routine and n on-controversial by City Staff and will
be approved by one motion if no member of the Commission or public wishes to comment or ask questions.)
1. APPROVAL OF ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING
COMMISSION MEETING ON FEBRUARY 19, 2013.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS
2. PLN 2006-1133, ANNUAL HOUSING REPORT
The State of California requires all cities to file an Annual Housing Report to the Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD). The purpose of the Housing Report is to monitor the implementation of the
City’s General Plan Housing Element and progress toward meeting the City’s Regional Housing Needs
Allocation (RHNA).
PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for March 19, 2013, at
City Hall, Council Chambers, 6907 El Camino Real, Atascadero.
Please note: Should anyone challenge in court any proposed development entitlement listed
on this Agenda, that person may be limited to raising those issues addressed at the public
hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning
Commission at, or prior to this public hearing.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Agenda Regular Meeting, March 5, 2013
Page 3 of 3
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City of Atascadero
WELCOME TO THE ATASCADERO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
The Planning Commission meets in regular session on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at City
Hall, Council Chambers, 6907 El Camino Real, Atascadero. Matters are considered by the Commission in the order
of the printed Agenda.
Copies of the staff reports or other documentation relating to each item of business referred to on the Agenda are on
file in the office of the Community Development Department and are available for public inspection during City Hall
business hours at the Front Counter of City Hall, 6907 El Camino Real, Atascadero, and on our website,
www.atascadero.org. An agenda packet is also available for public review at the Atascadero Library, 6850 Morro
Road. All documents submitted by the public during Commission meetings that are either read into the record or
referred to in their statement will be noted in the minutes and available for review in the Community Development
Department. Commission meetings are audio recorded, and may be reviewed by the public. Copies of meeting
recordings are available for a fee. Contact the City Clerk for more information (470-3400).
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in a City
meeting or other services offered by this City, please contact the City Manager’s Office or the City Clerk’s Office,
both at (805) 470-3400. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting or time when services are needed will
assist the City staff in assuring that reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting or
service.
TO SPEAK ON SUBJECTS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
Under Agenda item, “PUBLIC COMMENT”, the Chairperson will call for anyone from the audience having business
with the Commission to approach the lectern and be recognized.
1. Give your name for the record (not required)
2. State the nature of your business.
3. All comments are limited to 3 minutes.
4. All comments should be made to the Chairperson and Commission.
5. No person shall be permitted to make slanderous, profane or negative personal remarks concerning any
other individual, absent or present.
This is when items not on the Agenda may be brought to the Commission’s attention. A maximum of 30 minutes will
be allowed for Public Comment Portion (unless changed by the Commission).
TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS (from Title 2, Chapter 1 of the Atascadero Municipal Code)
Members of the audience may speak on any item on the agenda. The Chairperson will identify the subject, staff will
give their report, and the Commission will ask questions of staff. The Chairperson will announce when the public
comment period is open and will request anyone interested to address the Commission regarding the matter being
considered to step up to the lectern. If you wish to speak for, against or comment in any way:
1. You must approach the lectern and be recognized by the Chairperson.
2. Give your name (not required).
3. Make your statement.
4. All comments should be made to the Chairperson and Commission.
5. No person shall be permitted to make slanderous, profane or negative personal remarks concerning any
other individual, absent or present.
6. All comments limited to 3 minutes.
If you wish to use a computer presentation to support your comments, you must notify the Community Development
Department at 470-3402 at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Digital presentations brought to the meeting on a
USB drive or CD is preferred. Access to hook up your laptop to the City's projector can also be provided. You are
required to submit to the Recording Secretary a printed copy of your presentation for the record. Please check in with
the Recording Secretary before the meeting begins to announce your presence and turn in the printed copy.
The Chairperson will announce when the public comment period is closed, and thereafter, no further public
comments will be heard by the Commission.
PC Draft Action Minutes of 2/19/13
Page 1 of 6
CITY OF ATASCADERO
PLANNING COMMISSION
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Tuesday, February 19, 2013 – 7:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers
6907 El Camino Real, Atascadero, California
CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 p.m.
Chairperson Ward called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and Commissioner Bentz led
the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Anderson, Bentz, Colamarino, Cooper, Wolff, and
Chairperson Ward
Absent: Commissioner Dariz (excused absence)
Others Present: Recording Secretary Annette Manier
Staff Present: Community Development Director, Warren Frace
Senior Planner, Callie Taylor
Assistant Planner, Alfredo Castillo
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: By Commissioner Bentz and seconded by
Commissioner Colamarino to approve the agenda.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
ITEM NUMBER: 1
DATE: 3-5-13
PC Draft Action Minutes of 2/19/13
Page 2 of 6
PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS
A. ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON
MOTION: By Commissioner Bentz and seconded by Commissioner
Cooper to postpone the elections until April 2nd meeting.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING
COMMISSION MEETING ON FEBRUARY 5, 2012.
MOTION: By Commissioner Bentz and seconded by Commissioner
Wolff to approve the agenda.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. PLN 2099-0814, RECONSIDERATION OF VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
FOR 6709 ATASCADERO AVE (ESTRELLA ASSOCIATES)
Property Owner: Atascadero Street, LLC, 6670 El Pomar Drive, Templeton, CA 93465
Applicant: Estrella Associates, Inc., 2727 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Project Title: PLN 2099-0814 / Reconsideration of Vesting TTM 2004-0055
Project Location: 6709, 6725, 6735 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422
APN 030-281-014, 015, 016 (San Luis Obispo County)
Project
Description:
An application has been received to reconsider expired Vesting Tentative Tract Map
2004-0055 for 12 single-family homes within a PD-25 overlay zone. No proposed CUP
amendments.
General Plan Designation: High Density Residential
Zoning District: Residential Multi-Family (RMF-20) / Planned Development (PD-25)
Proposed
Environmental
Determination:
Consistent with Certified Mitigated Negative Declaration 2004-0050.
PC Draft Action Minutes of 2/19/13
Page 3 of 6
Assistant Planner Castillo gave the staff report and explained the history of the project.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following person spoke during public comment: Dick Willhoit, Estrella Associates,
Inc. who spoke about the project, and answered questions from the Commission.
Chairperson Ward closed the Public Comment period.
MOTION: By Commissioner Colamarino and seconded by Commissioner
Bentz to adopt PC Resolution 2013-0004, a Resolution of the
Atascadero Planning Commission approving request to
reconsider vesting Tentative Tract Map 2004-0055, an
approval of a 12-lot subdivision consistent with a Master Plan
of Development on APN 030-281-014, 015, 016 subject to
conditions of approval and mitigation monitoring.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS
3. PLN 2010-1361, CLIMATE ACTION PLAN TOOLBOX AND GREENHOUSE
GAS REDUCTION MEASURE REVIEW
Senior Planner Taylor gave the staff report and explained that the Planning Commission
will be making recommendations to the City Council on what measures to include in the
Climate Action Plan. There have been two City-initiated, televised public meetings to
Applicant: City of Atascadero, 6907 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
Project Title: PLN 2010-1361, Climate Action Plan (CAP) Toolbox and Greenhouse Gas
Reduction Measure Review
Project Location: Citywide
Project
Description:
The City Council has designated the Planning Commission to act as the “Steering
Committee” for the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District’s (APCD)
Countywide Climate Action Planning project. The purpose of a Climate Action Plan is
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the City of Atascadero.
In November, the APCD’s consultant released the toolbox of potential Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) reduction measures. The next step is for each City to choose which measures
they would like to see in their Climate Action Plan. The APCD consultant will use the
measures chosen by the City to write a draft Climate Action Plan document.
Staff is recommending the Planning Commission review all of the toolbox GHG
reduction measures and make a recommendation to the City Council regarding which
measures should be included in a future Climate Action Plan for the City of Atascadero.
PC Draft Action Minutes of 2/19/13
Page 4 of 6
discuss the measures in the toolbox. The identified reduction goal is 19,790 metric
tons. The measures identified by the Planning Commission at the last 2 meetings total
a total of approximately 13,000 metric tons. There are a few options available on how to
add measures or increase reduction potential to fill the gap. We could pursue the
following:
Electric Vehicle Network and Alternative Fueling Stations
The Commission was in agreement to change their vote to include this
program.
Methane gas/sewer plant capture (need grant funding and Cal Poly is doing this).
The Commission was in agreement to look into this.
Atascadero Waste Management (AWA)
Commissioner Bentz gave a report on Atascadero Waste Management (AWA) and said
suggested that they (AWA) could give us a better estimate of how many metric tons are being
used in Atascadero’s waste stream, and how much contributed to overall management goals and
objectives. Maybe we could get a higher credit in doing this, and Director Frace agreed we could
ask for the credit. The higher the rate, the more credit we could get. We have 10 metric tons of
credit based on their spreadsheet.
The Commission had consensus to ask for the cooperation of AWA to
determine Atascadero’s credit.
Getting credit for preserving open space.
Director Frace stated that the City currently has 500-acres of existing open space today. Eagle
Ranch would include an additional 2600 acres of new open space designation. Our City
ordinances and polices reduce density in rural areas, add open space, preserved old growth trees
and allow for regeneration. We should get credit for sequestration related to protecting these vast
woodland areas.
The Commission was in agreement to include this program.
Service Nodes (5i): Build out of Del Rio Project & other economic development
Chairperson Ward would like this revisited at a staff level to come up with a number that can be
justified. Director Frace said we could increase this to 60% instead of 50% for the capture rate.
Calculations for this convert the dollars into trips. The approved Del Rio Specific Plan project
would account for approximately 25% of the existing tax sales leakage.
The Commission had discussion on this program, but came to no decision.
PC Draft Action Minutes of 2/19/13
Page 5 of 6
Chairperson Ward suggested the Commission take a break so that Senior
Planner Taylor could formulate the numbers for the Commission.
Chairperson Ward adjourned the meeting at 8:12 p.m. for a break.
Chairperson Ward readjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following person spoke during public comment: Donald Cross, Gina Carter, and
Tom Carter from Atascadero who asked that the document he was referring to be
turned in for the record (Exhibit A).
Chairperson Ward closed the Public Comment period.
Director Frace addressed questions that arose during public comment in regards to
ICLEI, APCD, and how the local Climate Action Plan was formed.
Senior Planner Taylor presented the final numbers and suggestions for GHG
calculations. Ms. Taylor provided additional information from questions that came from
the last two meetings where the commission wanted more information, and stated she
would compile all of the Commission’s recommendations tonight and put into a final
recommendation to the City Council.
MOTION: By Commissioner Wolff and seconded by Commissioner
Colamarino to move the draft Climate Action Plan forward to
City Council.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
Chairperson Ward gave an update on the Colony Square American Heritage
Monument.
DIRECTORS REPORT
Director Frace gave an update on the new Planning Commission 2-year term
cycle. Council interviewed commissioners today and will make appointments at
the end of March.
The Mayor has appointed two new Design Review Committee members as
follows: Mark Dariz and Duane Anderson.
PC Draft Action Minutes of 2/19/13
Page 6 of 6
Director Frace gave a report on upcoming Eagle Ranch Joint Session scheduled
for Tuesday, February 26, 2013. Commissioner Colamarino informed Director
Frace that he will disqualify himself from acting on the Eagle Ranch project
because of his property line is within 500 feet from the project. He is, however, at
liberty to speak publicly about his views on the project since he is disqualified
from acting in a voting manner.
Director Frace gave an update on the Walmart lawsuit and the hearing date is
scheduled for March 19, 2013.
The March 12th City Council meeting agenda will have an appeal for the
Oakhaven project’s affordable housing requirement, Climate Action Plan
recommendation to City Council, and the Industrial Zone Code Text Change for
indoor recreation.
The League of California Cities Planning Conference will be held February 27 –
March 1, 2013 in Pasadena.
ADJOURNMENT - 9:31 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for March 5, 2013,
at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, Council Chambers, 6907 El Camino Real, Atascadero.
MINUTES PREPARD BY:
_____________________________
Annette Manier, Recording Secretary
The following exhibit is available in the Community Development Department:
Exhibit A – NOTICE from Gina Carter
\\cityhall\cdvlpmnt\~ planning commission\pc minutes\pc minutes 2013\pc draft actn minutes 2 19 13.am1.docx
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-5-13
Atascadero Planning Commission
Staff Report – Community Development Department
Warren Frace, Community Development Director, 470-3402, wfrace@atascadero.org
Alfredo R. Castillo, AICP, Assistant Planner, 470-3436, acastillo@atascadero.org
General Plan & Housing Element
Annual Progress Report 2012
(PLN 2006-1133)
RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning Commission recommends the City Council submit the attached 2012
Annual General Plan and Housing Report to the State of California.
DISCUSSION:
Background:
The State of California requires all cities to file an Annual General Plan Progress Report
to the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and an annual Housing Element
Progress Report to the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
The purposes of this reports is to monitor the City’s implementation of the City’s General
Plan including the City’s Housing Element, one of the required elements that make up
the General Plan.
General Plan Background:
California planning law requires the City to adopt a “comprehensive, long-term General
Plan for physical development” (Government Code 65300). The City’s General Plan
was adopted in 2002 after a two-year long public outreach and input effort by the City
Council, Planning Commission, City Staff and its consultants.
The 2025 General Plan expresses the City’s goals for the distribution and character of
land uses and development. The General Plan is comprehensive in terms of issues
addressed and includes the City’s entire physical development areas. Planning activities
including zoning approvals and amendments, subdivision approvals, capital
improvements, and redevelopment activities need to be consistent with the City’s
General Plan. The General Plan goals, policies, and programs guide short- and long-
range decision making.
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-5-13
Development Activities for 2012:
The City Council approved only one General Plan Amendment in 2012 (Del Rio Road
Commercial Area Specific Plan). In 2012, the Building Division of the Community
Development Department received 712 building permit applications and issued 699
building permits. The Building Division “finaled” or completed 557 building permits. The
Planning Division received 22 applications for various permits including tree removals,
Design Review Committee Reviews, Conditional Use Permit Amendments,
Administrative Use Permits and Conditional Use Permits. There were no zone text
change amendments adopted in 2012.
General Plan Updates and Maintenance:
City Staff has reviewed the policies and programs (the implementation tools) of the
City’s General Plan. At this time the City’s has implemented many of the programs
called out for in the 2025 General Plan. Many of the programs are labeled “on-going”.
This signifies that City Staff is continually performing these tasks on an as needed
basis.
The City updated its Housing Element in 2011. It also updated its Capital Improvement
Plan (CIP) funding priority list for consistency with the approved Del Rio Road
Commercial Area Specific Plan in 2012.
Two items of note that need to be updated when funding is available to implement the
City’s General Plan is the City’s Appearance Review Manual and the Circulation
Element. The Appearance Review Manual was expected to become a major
implementation tool as a part of the adoption of the City’s General Plan, however due to
significant budget constraints, no major amendments or overhaul of this manual has
been completed to date other than reformatting and additional images and sketches.
The Planning Commission and City Council should provide staff input and direction on
these programs that direct Staff to implement changes to the Appearance Review
Manual.
The City’s Circulation element has not been revised since adoption. In 2008, the State
of California passed legislation known as the “California Complete Streets Act.”
Commencing in 2011, any major revision to the circulation element will need to include
a “plan for a balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of all
users of the streets, roads, and highways for safe and convenient travel in a manner
that is suitable to the rural, suburban, or urban context of the general plan.” Although no
major revisions are planned, City Staff will need to evaluate when an update should be
undertaken to remain competitive for grant funding provided by the State. This may be
more impartive as the City will seek funding for various capital improvement projects
with the elimination of Redevelopment funding.
2012 Housing Activities and Report:
The 2nd section of the yearly general plan review is the Housing Element Report. The
purpose of the Housing Report is to monitor the implementation of the City’s General
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-5-13
Plan Housing Element and progress toward meeting the City’s Regional Housing Needs
Allocation (RHNA). The allocations are targets for the production of affordable housing
for various income groups throughout the City.
Table 1
State of California Income Level Definitions
Very Low Income Lower Income Moderate Income Above Moderate
50% of County
Median
80% of County
Median
120% of County
Median
Greater than 120% of
County Median
San Luis Obispo County Median Income for a Family of Four (4): $75,400 for 2012
These regional housing allocations are required to be used by the City when updating
the housing element. They are the basis for assuring that adequate sites and zoning are
available to accommodate at least the number of units allocated. These housing
allocation numbers are not housing unit quotas that the City must achieve within the
time frame of their next housing element update, but housing targets that the City must
provide zoning for and reduce obstacles to development.
2012 Housing Production:
For 2012, the City issued building permits on 103 new residential units. Table 2 shows
the breakdown of new residential units for 2012 that were issued by income type. The
103 residential building permits issued represents a 258% increase in production over
2011.
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-5-13
Table 2
2012 New Residential Housing Units Building Permits Issued
Very Low Low Moderate Above Moderate Total 2012 Permitted Units Issued 8 10 50 31 99
Secondary Units Issued 0 2 1 1 4
Total 8 12 51 32 103
As of December 31, 2012, Atascadero had met approximately 66% of its total housing
allocation. Table 3 shows the percentage that the City has met for each income
category for the 2007-2014 reporting period. These percentages only reflect units that
have been issued a building permit and do not reflect entitled units or the units from the
various projects that have been approved. The City has met its above moderate
housing target for the 2007-2014 reporting year and is on-target to meet the moderate
goals for the reporting period in 2013. Table 4 provides a breakdown of total units
produced for the 2007-2014 reporting period.
Table 3
RHNA Totals By Percentage 2007-2014
Very Low Low Moderate Above Moderate Total
Percentage of Target Goal 15% 30% 88% 100%
Total Units Issued 16 22 77 194 309
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-5-13
Table 4
In 2012 the City has seen a sharp increase in the issuance of building permits. The
City’s Dormant Permit Program, approved by the City Council in 2008, is a primary
catalyst in the recent development. Of the permits issued in 2012, 96 of the 103 (93%)
total permits are residential units that were a part of the Dormant Permit Program.
Normally, these permits would have been canceled, making developers start from
scratch. The implementation of this program has afforded developers an opportunity to
pick up where these permits last left with minor modifications, thus expediting this
portion of the process.
Many of these dormant projects included an affordable housing production requirement
as a part of their conditions of approval. As a result of the City’s dormant permit
program, 2012 was a great year for affordable housing production. Most notably, Oak
Grove Phase II off of El Camino Real was purchased by People’s Self Help Housing.
Construction has commenced on this project which will create 24 very low and low
income housing. Half of the project’s 24 units were issued in 2012 and are reflected in
this year’s affordable housing production. Additional affordable housing units were
produced in the Dove Creek and Las Lomas development areas.
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-5-13
2012 Affordable Housing Production
Of the total building permits issued, a total of 71 units were considered affordable. The
majority of these affordable units were located in Oak Grove Phase II development,
Dove Creek, and Las Lomas Apartments. Similar to 2011, permits that were issued at
Dove Creek in 2012 have sales prices that fall below the “moderate” income group
maximum sales price for both 3 bedroom and 4 bedroom units established by San Luis
Obispo’s County’s Previously Approved Project Formula. Staff reviewed posted rental
prices for the Las Lomas Apartments and compared those with the July 2012 affordable
rental rates in San Luis Obispo County as well as utility allowances from the San Luis
Obispo Housing Trust. Of the 40 issued permits, eight (8) 3-bedroom units were
deemed affordable in the moderate category.
In addition to those units deemed affordable based on rental and sales prices, Dove
Creek commenced construction on four (4) deed restricted very low income units that
were required as a part of the City Council’s inclusionary housing policy. As a part of the
Conditions of Approval for the Las Lomas Apartments, Phase I construction will include
two (2) deed restricted one-bedroom low income units and three (3) deed restricted
moderate income two-bedroom units. Staff will work with the developer to ensure these
deed restrictions are recorded prior to building finals of Phase 1 units.
People’s Self-help Housing obtained 12 residential building permits. Of those permits,
four (4) very low income units, and eight (8) were low income units that were issued.
Additionally, 2nd Units within the City that were constructed are defined as “affordable” if
the cost per square foot for a typical rent in Atascadero ($1.09/sf based on the San Luis
Obispo Multi-Family Housing Rental Survey) multiplied by the square footage of the
second unit. If the rent falls within an income category, that unit is deemed affordable for
that income type.
The median home price in Atascadero for a new or existing home or condo in 2012
according the California Realtors Association was $305,400. This median home price
still gives the ability for moderate income wage earners to become homeowners for the
first time. Median home price expected to increase for 2013.
2013 Housing Production Projections:
The City expects the same or more housing production in 2013. As of February 1, 2013 ,
the City has already issued 14 single family homes. In addition, City Staff is working
with developers at the Oakhaven Village, Southside Villas, and additional phases in Las
Lomas/Woodlands. All these developers expect to commence construction this year on
a variety of residential projects ranging from typical single family residential, small lot
single family residential, condos and townhomes. Based on the remaining permits left in
the City’s Dormant Permit Program, over 220 units are expected to commence and
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-5-13
complete construction over the next two to three years.
Content of the 2012 General Plan Annual Report:
The City’s Annual report is formatted into three sections:
Section 1: Legal Requirements of the Annual Report
Section 2: Review of implementation programs that further the goals, objectives,
and policies that are identified in the General Plan.
Section 3: Review the progress and implementation of the City’s adopted
Housing Element.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
1 2012 General Plan Annual Report
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-5-13
General Plan Annual Report
2012
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-5-13
CITY OF ATASCADERO
CITY COUNCIL
Tom O’Malley, Mayor
Brian Sturtevant, Mayor Pro Tem
Roberta Fonzi, Councilmember
Bob Kelley, Councilmember
Heather Moreno, Councilmember
PLANNING COMMISSION
Chuck Ward, Chairperson
David Bentz, Vice Chairperson
Len Colamarino, Commissioner
Mark Dariz, Commissioner
Christian Cooper, Commissioner
Jan Wolff, Commissioner
Duane Anderson, Commissioner
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Warren Frace, Director
Callie Taylor, Senior Planner
Alfredo R. Castillo, AICP, Assistant Planner
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-5-13
Section 1
A. Purpose of the Annual Report
Section 65400 of the California Government Code requires the City to file an annual
report addressing the status of the General Plan and progress made toward goals and
objectives. This annual report provides a means to monitor the success of implementing
the General Plan and determine if changes need to be made in the plan or its
implementation programs.
The City of Atascadero held a publicly noticed meeting to discuss the findings of the
General Plan Annual report with the Planning Commission on March 5, 2013. The City
Council accepted this report and adopted resolution 2013-00X on March 26, 2013 for
submittal to both the Office of Research and Planning (OPR) and Housing and
Community Development Department.
B. Purpose of the General Plan
The General Plan serves two primary functions. First, the General Plan provides
information. Second, it states the community's goals, objectives, policies, and
implementation measures (i.e., ways to achieve the goals and objectives). The General
Plan is available for public review at the Front Counter at the Community Development
Department, the San Luis Obispo County Atascadero Branch Public Library and also on
the City’s website. Each member of the City Council and the Planning Commission has
a copy of the General Plan, as well as each City department.
As an informational document, the General Plan describes existing conditions, makes
projections, and establishes a vision for the community's future. The General Plan
provides the public with information about the City and the direction that it seeks to
move. It also provided the public with a blueprint for how, when and where will the City
grow through 2025.
As a policy document, the General Plan esta blishes goals and policies for decision
makers. Using these policies, the City Council and Planning Commission take steps
toward achieving the larger goals of the City. The City focuses implementation
programs contained in the General Plan through day to day operations of the City.
C. Status of the Adopted Elements of the City's General Plan
State law requires that the General Plan include seven elements. These elements must
cover the following topics: Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Safety, Noise, Conservation,
and Open Space. State law also allows the City to adopt any additional general plan
elements that the City deems necessary. The City of Atascadero General Plan
combines the Land Use, and Open Space and Conservation elements into one singular
section. The following is a breakdown of the City’s General Plan:
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-5-13
Atascadero
GP Elements
Required GP
Elements
Examples of Topics Covered
Section II
Land Use, Open Space &
Conservation Element
(Includes Recreation and
Economic policies)
Land Use Development patterns, residential neighborhoods, community
character, recreation, public facilities and recreational facilities and
standards.
Open Space
Conservation
Open space, hillside development, water quality, riparian areas,
endangered plants and animals, greenbelt, agriculture, historic
resources
Recreation
(optional)
Parkland location and standards, facility needs, coordination with land
use issues
Economic
Development
(optional)
Commercial and industrial land uses, economic diversification, job
opportunities, tourism
Section III
Circulation Element
Circulation Traffic, street network, parking, transit services, bike routes
Section IV
Safety & Noise Element
Noise
Safety
Development in hazardous areas, wildfire protection, hazardous waste
management, seismicity, flood control, noise
Section V
Housing Element
Housing Population, employment, income, housing needs, rehabilitation need,
affordable housing development potential
The City’s General Plan was adopted in June 2002. The City’s last major update of th e
General Plan was undertaken in February 2011 with the City’s adoption and certification
of the 2007-2014 Housing Element Update. The following is a list of updates to the
General Plan since the document’s adoption:
Amendment No. Date Type Project
GPA 2003-0003 March 2003 Land Use Map Curbaril Ave
GPA 2003-0004 March 2003 Land Use Map Principal / Las Lomas
GPA 2003-0005 September 2005 Land Use Map West Front Village
GPA 2003-0007 March 2004 LOC Element Text ECOSLO Settlement
GPA 2003-0008 October 2004 Land Use Map Westpac Mixed Use
GPA 2003-0009 March 2004 Land Use Map Pine Mountain TDR
GPA 2003-0010 June 2004 Land Use Map Parriza Ct. PD
GPA 2003-0011 March 2004 Land Use Map K-Jons Mixed Use
GPA 2004-0012 June 2004 LOC / HOS Element 2nd Unit Update
GPA 2004-0013 July 2004 Land Use Map Matthews Mixed Use
GPA 2005-0014 September 2005 Land Use Map Marchant Condos
GPA 2005-0015 February 2006 Land Use Map 4705 El Camino Real mixed use
GPA 2005-0016 November 2007 Land Use Map Eagle Creek
GPA 2007-0019 February 2007 Land Use Map / Text Atascadero Ave. Triangle
GPA 2009-0024 May 2009 Land Use Map Stadium Park Project
GPA 2009-0025 February 2011 Housing Element Housing Element Update
GPA 2007-0020 June 2012 Land Use Map Del Rio Road CASP / Wal-Mart
GPA 2007-0021 June 2012 Land Use Map Del Rio Road CASP / Annex
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-5-13
Following is a brief overview of actions taken in 2012 relative to each individual
Element:
Land Use Element / Open Space and Conservation (Adopted June 2002)
A portion of the City’s Land Use Map was amended as a part of the adoption of the Del
Rio Road Commercial Area Specific Plan in July 2012. The amendment that is required
by the project is the re-designation of existing residential land to a retail commercial
designation to accommodate the commercial footprint of the project. The project is
consistent with the General Plan policy document and no text changes are required
Circulation Element (Adopted June 2002)
No text amendments to the Circulation Element occurred in 2012.
Noise & Safety Element (Adopted June 2002)
No text amendments to the Noise Element occurred in 2012.
Housing Element (Adopted on February 2011)
No text amendments to the Noise Element occurred in 2012.
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-5-13
Section 2
The City of Atascadero policies and programs identified in the General Plan include
tools already in place and used on a day-to-day basis in the City. Some of the various
tools available to further the City's goals and objectives include the Budget/Capital
Improvement Program, Specific Plans and Master Plans of Development, Zoning and
Subdivision Regulations, Growth Impact Mitigation (AB1600) Fees, CDBG/HOME
Funds and Grants, etc.
A. Planning Commission
The City of Atascadero Planning Commission is designated as the "Planning Agency,"
as authorized by Section 65100 of the State Gove rnment Code and Section. The
Commission has discretionary and advisory responsibilities that are authorized by
Chapter 2-9 of the Atascadero Municipal Code and delegated under Titles 9 (Zoning
Ordinance) and 11 (Subdivision). During the last year, the Commission held 13 public
meetings and 1 study session.
The Planning Commission approved five (5) Tree Removal Permits (TRP) Permits; one
(1) new Conditional Use Permit was approved; and four (4) Conditional Use Permits
were amended.
In the advisory role, the Planning Commission forwarded recommendations to the City
Council a Tentative Subdivision Map / General Plan Amendment / Zone Change /
Specific Plan Adoption / Master Plan of Development / Capital Improvement Plan
Amendment and Tree Removal in connection with the Del Rio Road Commercial Area
Specific Plan.
B. Zoning Text Amendments
The City Council adopted no code text amendments in 2012
C. General Plan and Zoning Map Amendments
The City Council adopted one (1) General Plan and zoning map amendment in 2012;
they addressed:
General Plan Land Use Amendment and Specific Plan Overlay zone for the Del
Rio Road Commercial Area Specific Plan.
D. Building Division
The Building Division is responsible for administration and enforcement of State, local
codes, ordinances and regulations dealing with the construction, alteration,
maintenance and use of privately owned structures, and appurtenances. These
regulations include the building, housing, unsafe building, mechanical, electrical,
plumbing, swimming pools, etc that require a building or grading permit.
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-5-13
In 2010, the City Council updated Title 8, Building Code for conformance with the 2010
California Building Code and local revisions. The Division provides weekly development
activity reports, monthly activity, and annual activity. These reports are available for
download on the City’s website.
In 2012, the Building Division received 712 building permit applications and issued 699
building permits. During the past year, City building inspectors made 2,211 construction
and safety related inspections associated with building permit activity. The Building
Division “finaled” or completed 557 building permits.
E. Planning Division
Planning Division activities include administration of the City's General Plan,
development and subdivision review, preparation of zoning ordinances, processing
planning related applications include lot line adjustments, administrative use permits,
tree removal permits and additional actions that require entitlements. Additional ly, the
division conducts environmental review and informs the public of the City's land use
policies and development ordinances. The Planning Division reviews federal, state, and
county legislation, projects of concern to the City, and responds to surveys from the
State.
The Planning Division provides support Staff to the Planning Commission.
Administrative functions include the scheduling of meetings, preparation of agendas,
posting hearing notices, and preparation of minutes. The City posts Planning
Commission meeting agendas and minutes on the City’s website. Also, the City has
provide a social media pages to give residents additional updates through both
Facebook and Twitter.
Planning staff provides land use analysis, environmental review as required under the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and prepares staff reports for the Design
Review Committee, Planning Commission and City Council.
The Planning Division received 22 applications for various permits including tree
removals, Design Review Committee Reviews, Conditional Use Permit Amendments,
Administrative Use Permits and Conditional Use Permits.
F. General Plan Policies and programs
The City’s General Plan Policies and programs are broken down in the next section.
These pages include the City’s Policies, programs, and status of the program.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
Land Use Element / Open Space and Conservation
Policy 1.1. Preserve the rural
atmosphere of the community and assure
“elbow room” in areas designated for
lower density development by guiding
new development into the Urban Core to
conform to the historic Colony land use
patterns of the City and to respect the
natural environment, hillside areas, and
existing neighborhoods
1. Atascadero should retain its overall character and rural atmosphere with the
long-term protection of the environment as primary guiding criteria for public
policy decisions.
On-going
2. Concentrate higher density development downtown and within the Urban
Core, and focus master planned commercial uses at distinct nodes along
arterial corridors.
On-going
3. Require residential densities to decrease as distance from the Urban Core
increases.
Implemented through
zoning ordinance.
4. Outside of the Urban Core and Single Family Neighborhoods, maintain lot
sizes of 2.5 to 10 acres based on performance standards and natural
constraints including slope, distance from the center of the community,
average neighborhood lot size, soil percolation capability, and adequacy of
access,
On-going and
implemented through
zoning ordinance.
5. Update and maintain the Appearance Review Manual to include provisions
for incorporating local cultural and architectural themes into site and
building design that are appropriate for each land use designation.
Appearance Review
Manual updated in 2011
with new images.
Allocation of funds/staff
needed to incorporate
additional criteria.
6. Update and maintain the Zoning Ordinance to address the size, use, and
appearance of accessory structures to ensure neighborhood compatibility.
Zoning Ordinance
updated in 2010 that
addressed accessory
structures size and use.
7. Within the Urban Core encourage infill development or the revitalization or
reuse of land already committed to urban development where utilities and
public services exist.
On-going
8. Appropriate land use and corresponding lot size and density shall be
determined by site conditions, slope, neighborhood characteristics, and
proximity to the Urban Core rather than by the availability of sewer.
On-going
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
9. Require the approval of specific plans consistent with Government Code
Section 65450 for single family residential project of 100-units or greater.
On-going; Specific Plans
approved for Las Lomas
/ Woodlands; Master
Plan adopted for Dove
Creek.
10. Require the comprehensive master planning of large development projects
to minimize environmental impacts and maximize community compatibility.
Projects identified shall be required to have an approved Master Plan of
Development prior to any site development. The Master Plan of
Development may be approved in the form of Conditional Use Permit,
Planned Development, or Specific Plan.
On-Going; Dove Creek
and Del Rio Road
Commercial Area
Specific Plan have
implemented this
requirement.
Policy 1.2: Ensure the rural character
of Atascadero is preserved by respecting
the historic Colony boundaries and
cooperate with the County on regional
planning issues surrounding the Colony.
1. The ultimate General Plan development boundary shall be the Urban Reserve
Line. The Urban Reserve line approximates the historic 1913 Atascadero
Colony boundary and is recognized as the ultimate boundary for the City of
Atascadero, expansion beyond this boundary is inconsistent with the General
Plan.
Complete.
2. Develop agreements with the County to maintain rural residential,
agricultural and open space uses beyond the Urban Reserve Line, including
continuation of existing agricultural uses.
On-going
3. Work with the County to maintain a greenbelt and rural land use patterns
outside the Urban Reserve Line and to create an agricultural buffer around
the original Colony boundary.
On-going
4. In cooperation with the County, consider establishing a greenbelt or other
type of buffer between Atascadero and Templeton.
On-going
5. Oppose any land use changes east of the Salinas River that would result in
more intensive or higher density development.
On-going
6. Oppose any land use changes by the County within unincorporated portions
of the Colony that would result in more intensive or higher density
development.
On-going
7. Execute a Memorandum of Understanding whereby the County seeks City On-going
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
comment on development proposals in the area between Vineyard Drive and
Cuesta Grade, between the ridges east of the Salinas River and Cerro Alto
Campground.
8. Cooperate with LAFCO and the County to incorporate the Eagle Ranch into
the City's Sphere of Influence for eventual annexation.
Complete
9. It is the City's position, that Eagle Ranch shall be developed within the City
and any development of the site prior to annexation will be opposed.
On-going, Specific Plan
process has begun
10. Prior to the annexation of Eagle Ranch a Specific Plan shall be approved by
the City which will provide a comprehensive development plan for the
property that address issues including, clustering of Colony lots, public
facilities, circulation facilities, parks, open space, conservation easements,
and a fiscal analysis of service costs.
On-going
11. Update and maintain the Zoning Ordinance to designate the Eagle Ranch
property as a future Specific Plan area to be subject to future environmental
and site-specific review prior to annexation.
Complete
12. Require the approval of a planned development and master plan of
development prior to supporting any LAFCO annexation request of property
located north of the San Ramon interchange on the westside of US 101
On-going
Policy 1.3: Enhance the rural
character and appearance of the City,
including commercial corridors,
gateways and public facilities.
1. Update and maintain the Appearance Review Manual to include provisions
for rural character design features, street trees, landscaping, parking,
fencing, screening, and architectural design (except for single family
development), with standards tailored to specific areas of the City, including
commercial corridors, and gateways such as Highway 101 and Morro Road.
Appearance Review
Manual updated in 2011
with new images.
Allocation of funds/staff
needed to incorporate
additional criteria.
2. Require landscaping and/or screening to buffer non-residential uses from
residential areas.
Implemented through
zoning ordinance and
appearance review.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
3. Continue to support the Neighborhood Preservation Program.
On-going
4. Update and maintain the Sign Ordinance with higher standards for the
quality and visual impact of signs. On-going with potential
priority for review in FY
2013-2014
5. Develop incentives to encourage existing uses to upgrade to contemporary
design standards, including frontage and parking lot landscaping, and the
screening of loading and service areas.
Implemented through
appearance review and
Design Review
Committee.
6. Work with Caltrans to implement a freeway landscape and maintenance plan
for the Highway 101 corridor.
On-going
7. Develop a program to abate uses solely devoted to outdoor storage. On-going through Code
Enforcement
8. Beautify the City's primary entryways by creating Civic Gateways. The
freeway and other vehicular approaches to Atascadero shall be made more
attractive through judicious application of the elements including
landscaping, civic monuments, and rural character site development.
On-going. Gateway
Monument Features
completed in 2007 for
Northbound 101.
Wayfinding signage
installed in 2012.
9. Continue abatement programs to remove unsafe buildings, and require the
cleanup of premises and vacant lots with code violations. Clean-up
campaigns and beautification of existing facilities and neighborhoods shall
be encouraged.
On-going
10. The City will develop standards and undergounding districts to require the
undergrounding of existing utilities within the Urban Core.
On-going
11. New utilities will be undergrounded in all proposed subdivisions and
development projects.
Implemented during plan
review of new
construction.
Policy 1.4: Ensure that “darkness” remain
a rural characteristic by requiring that all
exterior lighting does not result in
significant off-site spillage or glare.
1. Amend and maintain the Sign and Zoning Ordinances to require that all non-
decorative exterior lighting shall be shielded to direct light toward buildings or
the ground.
Completed
2. Provide street lights only in the Downtown, along El Camino Real, at major On-going
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
intersections, and locations where street safety is of concern.
Policy 2.1: Ensure that new development
is compatible with existing and
surrounding neighborhoods.
1. Require that the appearance, mass and scale of multi-family development is
compatible with adjacent single-family neighborhoods.
Appearance Review and
DRC reviews required for
development.
2. Develop standards and procedures to allow the Planning Commission to
grant up to a 15% density bonus for attached multi-family project of
exceptionally high design quality through the Conditional Use Permit
process.
2011 Housing Element
Implementation
Addressing this issue. To
be amended as a part of
Council approval.
3. Update Public Works standards for roadways to provide for street trees and
landscaping consistent with the community's rural character.
On-going
4. Allow for alternate road standards in rural areas in order to minimize grading
and tree removals.
On-going
5. Do not allow single-family planned developments on prime multi-family sites
with all of the following characteristics:
a) site area greater than two acres
b) slopes less than 10%
c) arterial or collector street frontage
d) neighborhood is appropriate for multi-family development.
On-going
6. Require Conditional Use Permit approval for social establishments, including
senior citizen facilities, in residential areas.
On-going
7. Residential second units shall be permitted in all single -family residential
districts consistent with the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
“Guesthouses” and “granny units” shall be considered second units for
purposes of issuing building permits and collecting capital facility impact
fees.
Completed and codified
in City’s Zoning
Ordinance.
Policy 2.2: Allow for the orderly 1. Within the Urban Services Line allow for planned developments to approve On-going
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
development of neighborhoods by
allowing for the consideration of lot size
reduction for lots that are significantly
larger than the surrounding
neighborhood.
lot sizes below district minimums in the SE, SFR-Z and SRF-Y land use
areas only, when no more than two (2) lots are surrounded on all sides
within the same land use designation by non-conforming lots. Minimum lot
sizes shall not exceed maximum General Plan densities of the next lowest
single-family land use designation.
Policy 2.3: Incorporate Pedestrian and
Transit Oriented design concepts into
new residential and commercial
development within the Urban Core.
1. Incorporate urban design concepts from the Air Pollution Control District's
Transit Oriented Design Guidelines into new projects within the Urban Core.
On-going
2. Update the Appearance Review Manual to include pedestrian and transit
oriented design concepts.
Appearance Review
Manual updated in 2011
with new images.
Allocation of funds/staff
needed to incorporate
additional criteria.
3. Pedestrian walkways shall be prioritized in new residential developments
and between residential developments and commercial areas.
On-going and review
during entitlement
process
Policy 3.1: Encourage retail businesses at
efficient and attractive nodes along El
Camino Real and Morro Road with mixed
office and residential uses between those
nodes.
1. Designate the southeast corner of the Curbaril Avenue and ECR intersection
for a master planned retail commercial use.
On-going, South El
Camino Real Visioning
Plan started ground work
for this task.
2. Designate and protect the east side of the Del Rio Road and El Camino Real
intersection for a master planned retail commercial use.
Complete. City Council
adopted Del Rio Road
Commercial Area
Specific Plan in 2012.
3. Designate parcels northwest of the Santa Barbara and El Camino Real
intersection known as Dove Creek for a mixed-use planned development.
Complete. City Council
adopted Dove Creek
Master Plan in 2004.
4. Designate the area between San Jacinto Avenue and Rosario Avenue along
El Camino Real for neighborhood commercial and office uses.
Implemented.
5. Develop incentives to attract new businesses to under utilized locations Under review due to the
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
along El Camino Real.
dissolution of the RDA by
the State.
6. Require new development to comply with provisions of the Appearance
Review Manual specific to the El Camino Real corridor, including the
incorporation of landscaping and pedestrian walkways, and providing
reciprocal driveway access easements between sites, where feasible.
On-going
7. Conditionally allow mixed-use or exclusive multi-family infill development in
the mid-block portions of General Commercial areas along El Camino Real.
On-going
8. Preserve primary intersections for commercial development with a land use
overlay that requires the approval of an overall Master Site Development
Plan prior to approval of any development plans.
On-going
9. Conditionally allow, mixed-use office and multi-family development along
Morro Road, provided each development has an office or commercial
frontage use with recessed parking.
Implemented.
10. Utilize the Capital Improvement Program to prioritize street tree planting,
streetscape improvements and street repair projects along El Camino Real.
On-going through the
use of RDA and CDBG
Funds.
11. Amend and maintain the zoning ordinance to require Conditional Use Permit
approvals of bars, dance halls, night clubs, drive through restaurants, and
service stations (all gasoline sales uses).
Implemented.
12. Develop street design standards for El Camino Real that provide for street
trees, landscaping, and pedestrian comfort.
On-going
Policy 4.1: Cooperate with Atascadero
Main Street Organization to promote
downtown as the City’s cultural,
entertainment, and commercial center,
1. Provide mixed-use/pedestrian scale zoning and development standards for
the downtown. Encourage government, arts, entertainment, recreation,
business facilities and residential uses to be mixed in multi-story buildings
with sidewalk orientation and recessed or off-site parking.
Implemented through the
Downtown Atascadero
Revitalization Goals and
Plan
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
and to concentrate governmental facilities
downtown.
2. Continue to implement the Main Street Program and the Downtown
Revitalization Plan.
On-going
3. Develop a master plan for the Sunken Garden and surrounding block to
establish the area as a vibrant dining, community gathering area and civic
destination.
On-going however
funding limited due to
loss of RDA funds.
4. Integrate Atascadero Creek and Stadium Park into the function and
experience of Downtown.
On-going however
funding limited due to
loss of RDA funds.
5. Encourage the relocation of the Junior High School to an area outside of the
Downtown.
On-going
6. Mixed-use multi-family residential development is allowed up to 16 du/ac,
higher densities may be approved through a planned development process.
The 2011 Housing
Element updated
eliminated the need for
this program.
Policy 4.2.: Enhance the appearance of
the downtown area and improve
pedestrian circulation.
1. Update and maintain the Appearance Review Manual to specify pedestrian
oriented design requirements for the Downtown area.
Appearance Review
Manual updated in 2011
with new images.
Allocation of funds/staff
needed to incorporate
additional criteria.
2. Review all architectural design, signs, parking, and circulation for
development within the “D” land use category to ensure compatibility with the
Downtown Revitalization Plan.
On-going and reviewed
as a part of the building
permit/land use
entitlement process.
3. Develop a comprehensive streetscape and pedestrian access plan for the
Downtown area.
On-going consistent with
the Downtown Visioning
Plan and additional plans
completed by Public
Works.
Policy 5.1: Reduce multi-family densities
and increase single-family lot sizes as site
Completed and codified
in the Zoning Ordinance.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
slope increases.
Policy 5.2: Require hillside development
and subdivisions to blend in with
surrounding topography.
1. Update and maintain the Appearance Review Manual to include standards
for hillside design and grading including driveway design and slopes,
undergrounding of utilities, and erosion control.
Appearance Review
Manual updated in 2011
with new images.
Allocation of funds/staff
needed to incorporate
additional criteria
2. Update and maintain the Zoning Ordinance to require structures to be
located below prominent ridgelines visible from City streets, when alternative
building sites are available.
Completed and codified
in the Zoning Ordinance.
3. Update the Zoning Ordinance to include standards for minimizing hillside
grading, cuts, fills, and ridgeline disturbance.
On-going.
4. Prohibit development on slopes 30% or greater, unless no other feasible
building site exists.
On-going.
5. New lots with slope averaging 30% or greater are not permitted except when
they contain building envelopes with less than 20% average slope (including
driveways and leach fields), and when the creation of such parcels includes
an offer of public dedication or easement that would directly benefit City
residents, and where native tree impacts are minimal.
On-going.
6. Require the building envelopes, driveways, leach fields with schematic
grading plans to be provided for all lot line adjustments, parcel maps, and
tract maps proposed on sites with slopes greater than 10%.
On-going.
7. The City shall require open space uses in hazard lands including those
areas subject to inundation, high wildland fire risk, and high levels of seismic
or other geological hazard as identified in the Safety Element.
On-going.
Policy 5.3: Prevent unnecessarily
intensive grading of development sites.
1. Update and maintain the Municipal Code to require approval of grading
plans prior to any site disturbance.
Implemented as a part of
the zoning ordinance
update.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
2. Limit grading to the minimum area necessary to accomplish site
development.
On-going.
Policy 6.1: Ensure that development does
not degrade scenic and sensitive areas,
including historic sites, creeks, riparian
corridors, wetlands, woodlands, hillsides
and other valuable habitats.
1. Encourage use of planned developments to cluster projects around open
space easements, parks, open space dedication and minimize impacts to
natural resources.
On-going.
2. Seek funding to purchase or require dedication of areas of unique habitats or
scenic value, especially in areas lacking adequate park facilities and open
space.
On-going through open
space fee collection
3. Require native trees and plant species to be incorporated into landscaping
plans.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
4. Scenic and sensitive lands including creeks, riparian corridors, wetlands and
other areas of significant habitat value shall be protected from destruction,
overuse, and misuse by the use of zoning, tax incentives, easements, or fee
acquisition.
On-going through open
space fee collection
5. Public and private development in close proximity to scenic and sensitive
lands, including creek reservations, wooded areas, flood plains, prominent
view sheds and historic sites shall be designed to minimize impacts.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
6. Scenic and open space easements, parklands and open space dedications
shall be required as mitigation for subdivisions and development projects
that impact, floodplains, creek reservations, wooded areas, scenic
backdrops, sensitive areas, historic sites, cultural sites, and similar areas.
On-going, fees collected
as a part of development
impact fees.
7. The City shall carefully evaluate both public and private projects to require
the preservation of trees, watersheds, natural slopes, and other natural
features.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
8. Subdivisions shall be reviewed in accordance with the Appearance Review
Manual and the principle of maintaining the rural and natural character of the
community.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
9. Attention shall be paid to the aesthetic result of land division. Building sites
shall minimize disruption of natural slopes, native vegetation and watersheds
by the careful selection of building sites, leach fields and driveways. Building
designs inappropriate for hillside locations shall not be approved.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
Policy 6.2: Protect prehistoric cultural
resources from disturbance associated
with development.
1. Maintain a current GIS-based map of generalized areas of known
archaeological resources.
On-going.
2. For discretionary projects within the generalized areas of archaeological
resources, require Phase I surveys to determine the extent and significance
of archaeological sites prior to approval.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
3. For discretionary projects located in areas of known resources, require
Phase II surveys to determine the significance and mitigation requirements
for identified resources.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
4. Require short and long-term mitigation measures for significant
archaeological resource sites; include avoidance of impacts, burial under
sterile fill, and/or monitoring of earthmoving activities.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
5. If determined appropriate by a qualified archaeologist, actively involve N ative
Americans with any work located within known archaeological sites.
On-going.
6. If archaeological resources are unearthed during construction, suspend all
earth-disturbing work until appropriate mitigation is established.
On-going.
Policy 6.3: Encourage conservation and
preservation of neighborhoods, Colony
Homes and sound housing, including
places and buildings of historical and
architectural significance.
1. Actively utilize the Historic Overlay zoning district to protect known historic
structures, significant Colony homes and colony sites.
On-going.
2. Develop a GIS based mapping inventory and protection ordinance for the
historic Colony homes.
On-going.
Policy 6.4: Encourage conservation and 1. Protect historic buildings and sites. Atascadero's historic buildings and On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
preservation of structures and houses
that have historical and architectural
significance.
features shall be preserved and protected in recognition of the role the
community's past plays in its present and future. Historic overlay zoning
shall be utilized to protect appropriate historic districts.
2. Utilize the State Historic Building Code to encourage rehabilitation,
preservation, restoration or relocation of historic buildings listed or deemed
on the local, State or Federal register.
On-going.
3. Implement the Historic Site (HS) overlay zone to help preserve and protect
historic Colony homes.
a) Develop and adopt a comprehensive inventory of historic resources.
b) Identify (HS) overlay boundaries on zoning map.
On-going but not Historic
Site Overlay zone has
been adopted.
4. Utilize the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for
Rehabilitating Historic Properties to assess proposed improvements to
historic properties.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
5. Update the PD (Planned Development) overlay zone to include retention and
rehabilitation of historic resources as a primary justification for PD zoning
regulation standards.
On-going.
6. Update the City’s Appearance Review Manual to include preservation
guidelines for preservation, rehabilitation, and maintenance of historic
properties.
On-going with City Staff
flyer created to help with
the process.
7. Develop incentives for retaining and rehabilitating Atascadero’s historic
resources including:
a) Exceptions to development regulations;
b) Conservation districts;
c) Staff technical assistance;
d) Program to facilitate relocation instead of demolition; and
e) Mill’s Act contracts.
On-going.
Policy 7.1: Ensure that the native trees of
Atascadero are protected from new
development in order to retain the natural
character of the community.
1. Enforce all provisions of the Atascadero Native Tree Ordinance as a high
priority.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
2. Maintain a current Geographic Information System (GIS) based inventory
map of all native woodlands, plant communities, sensitive habitats,
connective habitat and wildlife corridors. Require lot line adjustments,
subdivision maps, and development permits to minimize impacts on mapped
resources that are identified as sensitive, and provide mitigation as
requirement by the Native Tree Ordinance.
On-going.
3. Update and maintain the Appearance Review Manual to include standards
requiring building siting, mass and scale to be compatible with surrounding
natural features.
Implemented separately
as a handout available at
the front counter.
4. Require lot line adjustments and tentative subdivision maps on sites with 25
percent or greater native tree canopy cover to establish locations of building
sites, driveways, and leach fields that will minimize native tree impacts.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
Policy 7.2: Protect and replenish native
tree populations, including saplings.
1. Continue to implement and enforce the Native Tree Ordinance to protect and
replenish native tree species within the City. Construction permits for both
residential and non-residential development shall be required to preserve as
many native trees as possible. Buildings shall be designed to utilize existing
trees in the landscaping pattern. Any trees removed shall either (1) be
replaced with like species, (2) in-lieu contributions made to the City's tree
replacement fund or (3) have Planning Commission approved conservation
easements created depending on the characteristics of the affected site.
On-going.
2. Augment the City Geographic Information System to include a native tree
GIS database to assist decision-makers with analyzing development
proposals.
Implemented.
3. The City shall implement a comprehensive program for street tree planting
and maintenance within the Urban Core and all major routes and
approaches to the community.
On-going.
4. Require planting of large canopy shade trees in new projects, in part to
provide shading adjacent to buildings to conserve energy use.
On-going.
Policy 8.1: Ensure that development along
Atascadero Creek, Graves Creeks, the
Salinas River, blue line creeks, and
natural springs, lakes, or other riparian
areas does not interrupt natural flows or
adversely impact riparian ecosystems and
1. Work with other agencies to implement the Erosion Control Assistance
Program for review of development proposals to minimize sedimentation of
creeks and the Salinas River.
On-going.
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2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
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water quality.
2. Update the Appearance Review Manual to include provisions for preserving,
reclaiming and incorporating riparian features in conjunction with new
development.
Appearance Review
Manual updated in 2011
with new images.
Allocation of funds/staff
needed to incorporate
additional criteria.
3. The waterways in the City shall be maintained in a natural state and
concrete channelization creeks shall be prohibited.
On-going.
4. The City shall strongly discourage underground piping, and unnecessary
disturbance of creeks and streams, and encourage use of bridges and
arched culverts. Any alterations required for public safety will be guided by
this policy.
On-going.
5. Allow flood protection measures (such as selective brush cleaning), low-
impact trail development, streambed maintenance and bank protection along
streams where appropriate with necessary permits.
On-going.
6. Prohibit new structures or disturbance of riparian habitat along creek banks
except for restoration purposes.
On-going.
7. Maintain a current GIS-based map of the riparian areas within Atascadero. On-going.
8. Prior to permit approval, refer projects along blue-line creeks to the Corps of
Engineers, Department of Fish and Game, Regional Water Quality Control,
and Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District.
On-going through the
use of precise plans.
9. Creek reservations and the Salinas River shall be preserved for open space
and recreational use, with appropriate areas left in their natural state for
public enjoyment and habitat purposes. Any recreational use of the River
and creeks shall minimize its impact on the habitat value and open space
qualities of the creeks.
On-going.
10. Land disturbance shall be minimized in proximity to watercourses including
necessary flood protection measures, such as selective brush clearing,and
low-impact trail development.
On-going.
11. Areas subject to flooding, as identified through flood hazard overlay zoning
and flood maps, shall be protected from unsound development consistent
On-going.
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with the City's flood hazard ordinance requirements.
12. The City shall adopt and maintain an ordinance that identifies existing and
potential well sites and aquifer recharge areas, including sufficient buffers to
protect them from contamination. The ordinance shall define restricted and
prohibited land uses within the wellhead/recharge protection zones and
provide for the review and approval by both the City and the Atascadero
Mutual Water Company of any project or development within the specified
zones. The ordinance will establish a policy to provide for the monitoring of
activities within these protection zones.
On-going.
13. Support the establishment and protection of floodable terraces, wetlands,
and revegetation along creeks and streams.
On-going.
Policy 8.2: Establish and maintain
setbacks and development standards for
creek side development.
1. Adopt and maintain a creek setback ordinance that will establish building
setbacks and development standards along the banks of Atascadero Creek,
Graves Creek, blue line creeks and the Salinas River to ensure the
uninterrupted natural flow of the streams and protection of the riparian
ecosystem with flexible standards for the downtown area.
Creek setback ordinance
work began in 2005,
withdrawn. Council
should provide direction.
2. Prior to adoption of a creek setback ordinance an interim 35-foot creek
setback shall be in effect along Atascadero Creek and Graves Creek until
March 1, 2005. All other 7.5 min USGS quadrangle blue line creeks shall
have an interim 20-foot setback. The interim setbacks shall be subject to the
following:
a) On Atascadero Creek and Graves Creek setbacks shall be measured
from the edge of the creek reservation.
b) All other blue line creek setbacks shall be measured from ordinary high
water mark.
c) The Planning Commission may approve exceptions to the interim creek
setbacks in the form of a Conditional Use Permit if the finding can be
made that creeks, riparian areas and site improvement will not be
negatively impacted by the exception.
Creek setback ordinance
work began in 2005,
withdrawn. Council
should provide direction.
Policy 8.3: Preserve public creek reserves
for public access, and ensure that
recreational use does not impact habitat
value and open space qualities.
1. Develop park, trail, and recreational amenities where appropriate in public
creek reserves.
On-going.
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2. Require the dedication of trail easements and access points as part of
subdivision maps or development permits consistent with the Circulation
Element.
On-going.
Policy 8.4: Review and regulate all
proposed on-site wastewater disposal
systems to protect public health and
water quality.
1. Update and support a Memorandum of Understanding or similar agreement
between the City of Atascadero and Regional Water Quality Control Board
regarding the standards for the design, approval, exception process,
installation, and maintenance of on-site wastewater disposal systems.
On-going. Regional
Water Quality Control
Board adopted rules and
regulations regarding this
in 2011.
2. Require percolation testing of all proposed subdivision lots that will not be
served by sewer.
Implemented through
plan review.
3. The City's Sewer Master Plan shall address sewering areas with a high
concentration of existing lots below 1/2 acre and areas with extremely
severe soil percolation constraints.
On-going.
Policy 8.5: The City shall implement a
storm water control program consistent
with the requirements of the National
Pollution Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) Permit Program (Phase II).
1. Adopt and implement an Urban Storm Water Quality Management and
Discharge Control ordinance.
City Council Adopted in
stormwater management
plan in 2010.
2. Include design guidelines to minimize impervious surfaces and decrease off-
site storm flows in the Appearance Review Manual.
Text contained in
stormwater management
plan as well as new
Regional Water Quality
Control Board rules.
3. New development shall be required to maintain historic off-site storm flows
unless improvements are made that maintain historic downstream and
upstream flows.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
4. The City will develop a storm water master plan including shared detention
facilities.
City Council Adopted in
stormwater management
plan in 2010.
5. Require Erosion Control Plans and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans
(SWPPP) for development on sites of 1-acre or more and on smaller sites
with slopes over 10%.
On-going consistent with
the SWMP.
6. The City will continue to notify project applicants and actively inspect
sediment and erosion control mitigation measures from October 15 to April
On-going.
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15 of each year.
Policy 9.1: Allow agricultural practices,
including keeping livestock and farm
animals, on parcels of appropriate size in
Rural Estate, Suburban Estate, and Single
Family Residential areas, provided that
natural features and residential neighbors
will not be adversely impacted.
On-going.
Policy 9.2: Adequately regulate allowed
agricultural practices and keeping of
domestic animals on rural and
agricultural lands consistent with the farm
animal regulations of the City Zoning
Ordinance.
On-going.
Policy 10.1: Ensure efficient and adequate
solid waste disposal by reducing waste
volumes through recycling and other
methods.
1. Pursuant to State law, institute a program to achieve maximum recycling of
waste products generated by the community to prolong the useful life of
landfill.
On-going.
2. Continue to reduce solid waste through source reduction, curbside recycling,
green waste collection, and recovery, in cooperation with the Integrated
Waste Management Board (SLO IWMA).
On-going.
3. Develop effective and efficient recycling programs for multi-family
developments and businesses.
On-going.
4. Encourage recycling programs at City facilities, projects, and programs to
the maximum extent feasible.
On-going.
5. Support actions which conserve energy and encourage energy conservation.
Consumption of non-renewable resources should be minimized. Renewable
resources should be recycled or replenished.
On-going.
Policy 10.2: Support ongoing water
conservation efforts.
1. Coordinate water conservation programs with AMWC as required by State
Water Efficiency Regulations.
On-going.
2. Consider expansion of reclaimed water use. On-going.
3. Encourage the incorporation of water conservation measures in new On-going with
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
development. implementation of water
efficient landscape
ordinance on 2009.
Policy 10.3: Support regional efforts to
maintain clean air.
1. Require dust control and emissions limitations during project construction. On-going.
2. Adopt circulation policies that encourage vehicle trip reductions. On-going.
3. Concentrate new intensive development at identified nodes to help reduce
vehicle trips.
On-going.
4. Support regional programs to maintain clean air by adopting transportation
and land use policies which encourage vehicular trip reductions.
On-going.
5. Support the development of park and ride locations in appropriate locations. On-going.
Policy 10.4: Ensure that development in
mineral resource areas is appropriate and
compatible with existing uses.
1. Review extraction proposals for conformity with the State Surface Mining
and Reclamation Act.
On-going.
2. Review the Zoning Ordinance to identify compatibility issues for uses in the
vicinity of mining areas, and amend the Ordinance as appropriate.
On-going.
3. Carefully evaluate proposals to extract mineral resources from the Salinas
River channel to ensure conformity with the State Surface Mining and
Reclamation Act and all other applicable resource agencies, surface mining
criteria contained within the Zoning Ordinance, and flood hazard zoning
standards.
On-going.
Policy 10.5: Encourage soil conservation
by minimizing grading and preventing
erosion.
1. Require soil retention and erosion control as conditions of approval for
development projects consistent with standards of the Regional Water
Quality Control Board.
On-going.
2. Amend the Municipal Code to require sediment and erosion control
measures on projects, consistent with National Pollution Discharge
Elimination System requirements.
On-going.
Policy 10.6: Utilize new technologies to
improve convenience for City residents,
reduce dependency on nonrenewable
1. Facilitate and support development of infrastructure necessary for all
residents to use and benefit from new communication technologies.
On-going.
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2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
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resources, increase ecological and
financial efficiencies, and better inform
the citizenry.
2. Monitor information technology development to ensure compatibility with City
infrastructure.
On-going.
3. Strive to expand opportunities for all citizens to participate in City
governance through use of communication technologies. On-going and expanded
into the use of social
media.
4. Continue to make essential City documents available for immediate retrieval
by electronic transfer technologies.
On-going.
5. Review all proposed residential subdivision maps for consistency with
section 66473 of the Subdivision Map Act requiring lot orientation to consider
passive and natural heating and cooling opportunities.
On-going.
Policy 11.1: Acquire parkland needed for
future development of park and recreation
facilities and ensure that park
improvements are consistent with
adopted master plans to accommodate
future growth.
1. Develop an overall Parks and Recreation Master Plan to provide for the
long-term needs of all City residents. All planned major facilities shall be
incorporated into the General Plan Land Use Element.
On-hold due to financial
constraints of the City,
however City Staff has
worked with the
Atascadero Mutual Water
Company to Reduce
water usage.
2. Prepare and maintain master plans for all City park facilities, including
management requirements.
On-hold due to financial
constraints.
3. Provide recreation opportunities in each quadrant of the City, including multi-
purpose sports complexes, tennis courts, play areas for children, equestrian
trails, bikeways, jogging paths, and community centers.
On-going.
4. Parkland shall be acquired and /or dedicated at a ratio of 5 acres /1000
residents consistent with the Quimby Act.
On-going.
5. Encourage the acquisition of open space and sensitive lands beyond the
ratio of 5 acres /1000 residents.
On-going.
6. Pursue ownership of Paloma Creek Park, and /or execute a long-term
agreement with the State to acquire or lease the site, and analyze its
expansion into a regional sports facility.
On-going.
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7. Require new subdivisions along the Salinas River to provide controlled
public access to the Salinas River and De Anza Trail for pedestrian and
equestrian recreation.
On-going and
implemented for new
development along this
area.
8. Support the development of equestrian staging areas and trail systems
throughout the community including a Salinas River / De Anza trailhead at
the north end of town and other appropriate locations.
On-going through the
Salinas River Trail Grant
program.
9. Acquire and improve a neighborhood park site in the vicinity of Del Rio Road
and El Camino Real. On-going.
10. Require a pocket park to be dedicated and improved on the triangular lot
west of the library in conjunction with any residential development of the
parcel.
On-going.
11. Future development of the Eagle Ranch property shall include a system of
parks, recreation facilities, trails, and equestrian facilities.
On-going and included
as a part of Eagle Ranch
concept plans.
Policy 11.2: Encourage joint use of school
facilities for public recreation purposes.
1. Work with the School District to formulate a program for joint use of facilities
to attain a system of school-park complexes. On-going.
Policy 11.3: Encourage park development
on or adjacent to schools where
appropriate.
1. Work with the schools to acquire and develop parks and facilities as
appropriate, and execute necessary agreements to allocate maintenance
and operation costs for joint use.
On-hold.
Policy 11.4: Encourage cooperative park
and facility development programs.
1. Work with the County and other agencies to acquire and develop parks and
facilities as appropriate.
On-going.
Policy 11.5: Develop a method of
financing park and recreational facilities
and services throughout the City using a
variety of revenue sources.
1. Acquire parkland through developer dedications (updating fee levels as
necessary) or other financing mechanisms.
On-going.
2. Use in-lieu fees to develop mini-parks. Mini-parks are hard to
maintain from a City
Stand Point. Private
development may
include them but fund the
maintenance of such
facilities.
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Policy Program Status
3. Finance park operations in part through user fees where appropriate. On-going.
Policy 12.1: Provide specialized
recreation opportunities based on
projected needs and standards identified
in parks master plans.
1. Plan for funding on-going operations and maintenance to finance
development of special facilities, a multi-purpose sports complex, tennis
courts, recreation centers, play areas for children, equestrian trails, bike and
jogging paths, and community centers.
On-going.
Policy 12.2: Emphasize the importance
of recreation facilities as community
resources.
1.Promote the Zoo, Lake Park, and other City parks as unique and valuable
attractions On-going and City
recently completed a
new visitor’s center to
add to user experience.
2. Establish a community/youth recreation center in the vicinity of downtown.
Implemented and
constructed. Community
center is open.
3. Provide for public transportation connections to public parks and recreation
facilities.
On-going.
4. Provide a comprehensive signage program for pedestrian walkways,
bikeways, equestrian trails, and recreation trails.
On-going through the
City’s wayfinding
program and other
sources.
Policy 12.3: Develop and implement a
program to improve water quality in
Atascadero Lake with specific water
quality standards to be provided in the
Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
This section is now
implemented through the
City’s Stormwater
Management Plan.
Policy 13.1: Facilitate convenient
location of goods and services needed by
local residents.
1. Update and maintain the Zoning Ordinance to allow grocery stores and
medical and professional offices at appropriate neighborhood nodes.
Implemented.
2. Update and maintain the Zoning Ordinance to allow office, business, and
health care services in the Commercial Park Zoning District.
Implemented.
Policy13.2: Encourage planned office
development in appropriate locations.
1. Formulate a planned development process for office uses. On-going.
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Policy 13.3: Expand tourist commercial
nodes to serve the traveling public at
freeway interchanges and develop tourist
destinations based on the Atascadero's
rural character.
1. Promote tourism and travel industries.
On-going.
2. Encourage hotel, conference, and resort development and protect potential
sites from conversion to other uses.
On-going. Construction
of a Downtown Hotel and
a new hotel on the end
complete. A proposed
new hotel on the south
end of the City in the
permit process for 2012.
3. Update and maintain the Zoning Ordinance to allow additional uses in the
Tourist Commercial zoning district.
Implemented.
4. Promote the community's rural character, open space and oak woodlands in
attracting tourist and develop tourist destinations based on these features.
On-going.
Policy 13.4: The City shall continue to
take a long range view of its fiscal
condition, and specifically the possibility
of enhancing revenues, in order to
maintain and, where ever possible and
desirable, enhance current levels of
service.
1. The City will work towards preparing a long range economic plan (often
called a “strategic plan”) to develop a strategy for future fiscal health so that
projected levels of service can be maintained and enhanced.
On-going and completed
with the City’s budget
cycle.
2. The City will annually adjust its long range revenue and expenditure
projections to track changes in the City’s fiscal situation, so that both
problems and opportunities can be anticipated and planned for.
On-going.
3. The City will review it developer fees on a regular basis. On-going.
4. The City will minimize its road maintenance responsibilities by requiring
private funding mechanisms such as assessment districts for the
maintenance of new local streets.
On-going and completed
as a part of HOA/CCR’s
and other funding
mechanisms.
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2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
Policy 14.1: Encourage existing uses
to continue providing needed products
and services.
1. Continue to support Chamber of Commerce efforts to market goods and
services available in Atascadero, including those produced locally.
On-going.
2. Identify locations with adequate land to accommodate new commerc ial and
industrial development.
On-going.
Policy 14.2: Attract new development
and land uses that provide jobs and
services for residents, provided that
those uses are consistent with the City’s
character.
1. Update the Zoning Ordinance to allow craft uses in appropriate locations,
including multi-tenant incubator spaces.
On-going.
2. Update the Municipal Code to adequately regulate home occupation uses Implemented.
3. Update the Zoning Ordinance to allow commercial recreation development
at the northern gateway to the City.
On-going.
Policy 14.3: Plan for a regional
commercial center near Highway 101.
1. Update the Zoning Ordinance to allow regional retail (including auto and
home furnishing) uses in appropriate locations.
Implemented.
Policy 14.4: Ensure that City
regulations and processes support
economic development opportunities.
1. Review and Update the Zoning Ordinance to address any regulatory
impediments to attracting target businesses, and to facilitate desired
business expansions and reuse
On-going.
Policy 15.1: Growth should be directed
to areas where services can be provided
in a cost-effective manner.
On-going.
Policy 15.2: Maintain an updated
Capital Improvements Program (CIP) that
forecasts needs at least five years into the
future and conforms to General Plan
policies and programs.
1. The Planning Commission shall annually review the Capital Improvement
Program for consistency with the General Plan and forward its findings to the
City Council
On-going with the last
update completed in
2012..
2. Prepare and implement master storm drainage plans. On-going with the Public
Works department.
City of Atascadero
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Policy Program Status
Policy 15.3: Ensure that adequate
service capacity and facilities exist prior
to approving new development.
1. Coordinate with the Atascadero Municipal Water Company to provide for
adequate facilities and water supplies.
On-going.
2. Require all new projects and new development requiring domestic water to
be served by the Atascadero Municipal Water Company unless a waiver is
granted by the Planning Commission through a Conditional Use Permit.
On-going.
3. Coordinate with other local and regional public service providers to identify
and ensure adequate service levels for all public services and facilities.
On-going.
4. Update the municipal code to require new single-family residential
development on lots within 200-feet of an existing public sewer system to be
required to extend and connect to the public sewer when topographically
possible.
Implemented.
5. Continue to support regional planning for solid and hazardous waste
disposal.
On-going.
6. Continue to provide police and fire staffing and facilities as necessary to
meet community needs.
On-going.
7. Incorporate public safety measures in development project design.
On-going.
8. All residential projects of 100 or more dwelling units shall be required to
prepare a Fiscal Impact Report prior to any discretionary approvals. The
Fiscal Impact Report shall analyze all revenues, service costs and facilities
costs associated with a project. The City shall require the establishment of
Facilities Districts and / or Maintenance Districts to cover revenue short falls
on a project.
On-going and completed
as a part of the Dove
Creek and Woodlands
Specific Plan.
Policy 15.4: Extend services only when
the City has funding for additional
improvements identified in the CIP.
1. Include in the CIP a prioritized list of projects, timing, cost estimates,
responsible department, and funding sources.
On-going.
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Policy Program Status
Policy 15.5: Two tiers of public service
will be provided within the City based on
the Urban Services Line (USL).
1. The Urban Services Line defines the area that will eventually be furnished
with major public and quasi-public services. This area will be served by
some or all of the essential urban services, including :
a) Creekway & Horse Trails
b) Solid Waste Disposal
c) Cultural Facilities
d) Storm Drainage (based Master storm drainage plans for
selected sub-drainage basins)
e) Streets and sidewalks
f) Improvement Districts
g) Street Sweeping
h) County Library
i) Street Trees
j) Parks
k) Public Utilities
l) Emergency Services (Level of Service 1)
m) Water
n) Sewers
On-going.
2. The Rural Services Area is the area outside of the USL and consists of the
remainder of the City within the City boundaries. Services to be provided
are:
o) Creekway & Horse Trails
p) Rural Streets
q) Solid Waste Disposal
r) Improvement Districts
s) Public Utilities
t) Water
u) Emergency Services (Level of Service 2 & 3)
v) Fire risk management program with backyard burning
Sewering of areas with poor percolation and high rates of septic system failure
On-going.
Policy 15.6: Ensure that new
development pays the cost of providing
and/or installing all capital facilities
needed to support it, including the
infrastructure necessary to attract high -
tech and professional support
1. Continue to condition approval of new development on collection of impact
fees and/or construction of facilities, as appropriate, adequate to fund
facilities to serve new development.
On-going.
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2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
businesses.
Policy 15.7: Continue to support
effective regional planning for solid and
hazardous waste disposal.
1. Continue to require solid waste collection within the City.
On-going.
2. Maintain on going communication with solid waste disposal service
providers.
On-going.
Circulation
Policy 1.1: Plan, fund and implement
circulation improvements necessary to
comply with adopted City safety and level of
service standards, and the General Plan
Circulation Diagram.
1. Maintain an updated Capital Improvement Plan and pursue construction
of the circulation system improvements of the Circulation Element.
On-going.
2. Require dedications and new development to be consistent with the
Circulation Diagram and the Circulation Facilities Diagram.
On-going
.
3. Enhance vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian access and travel within the
Downtown.
On-going and completed
with new bicycle lanes
along El Camino Real
and Lewis Avenue
4. Preserve options for future transportation facilities in advance of
development by such means as identifying routes, reserving rights-of-
way, establishing setbacks to accommodate future road width, and
limiting access along arterials.
On-going.
5. Design future roadway extensions and connections to allow travelers to
choose reasonably direct paths to destinations.
On-going. General Plan
Amendment needed to
address the Complete
Streets Act. Staff to
review.
6. Maintain an equitable funding and capital expenditure system for roadway
improvement that includes requiring developers to provide for
construction of their fair-share portion of arterial, collector, and local
streets at the time of development
On-going.
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Policy 1.2: Provide regional facilities to
minimize through-traffic intrusion on local
streets and to avoid barriers to local traffic.
1. Cooperate with Caltrans and SLOCOG to prepare a US 101 North
Corridor Study and the Atascadero Route 101/El Camino Real Corridor
Study.
On-going.
2. Coordinate transportation planning efforts with local, regional, State and
federal agencies, to maintain and upgrade State roadways, where
appropriate, including the elimination of existing substandard conditions
at freeway interchanges.
On-going.
3. Provide sufficient capacity on arterial and collector streets to discourage
through traffic on local roadways.
On-going.
4. Restrict truck traffic by ordinance to designated routes identified in the
Truck Route Diagram except for access to local destinations.
On-going.
5. Trucks routes shall be clearly mark with a comprehensive signage
program.
On-going.
6. Establish a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of
Atascadero and Caltrans that identifies the City's responsibility for
collecting fees and funding improvements for US 101.
On-going.
7. Update the City's Capital Facilities Fees consistent with the requirements
of AB 1600 and include funding for Caltrans facilities.
On-going.
Policy 1.3: Maintain LOS C or better as
the standard at all intersections and on all
arterial and collector roads. Upon City
Council approval, accept LOS D where
residences are not directly impacted and
improvements to meet the City’s standard
would be prohibitively costly or disruptive.
1. Require new commercial development design to avoid diverting traffic
through existing residential neighborhoods.
On-going.
2. Require traffic studies and updating of the City traffic model for all
projects involving amendments to the zoning map or General Plan land
use diagram or circulation element.
On-going.
3. Locate high traffic generating uses along arterial streets with a minimum
number of driveways. Driveways and access points should be shared
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
whenever possible.
4. Encourage mixed-use development with residential and commercial
densities high enough to increase the rider base for local and regional
transit systems.
On-going.
Policy 1.4: Preserve the winding, tree-
lined nature of the city street system in
hillside areas.
1. Continue to allow flexible street design standards to allow roads to curve
around hillsides to preserve rural character and help limit vehicle speed.
On-going.
2. Develop a program and development standards for planting street trees
and landscaping on arterial streets and at major intersections.
On-going.
Policy 1.5: Maintain an adequate and
well-designed supply of off-street parking,
particularly in commercial, industrial, and
higher- density residential areas.
1. Require all development to provide sufficient and convenient parking
areas with minimal conflict with street traffic.
On-going.
2. Require shared parking via reciprocal easement in commercial and
industrial areas whenever possible.
On-going and completed
as necessary.
3. Require off-street parking areas to include landscaping, screening,
lighting and shade trees to mitigate adverse visual impacts and provide
comfort for users.
On-going.
4. Update and maintain the Parking Ordinance to reflect current parking
trends and uses.
On-going.
Policy 2.1: Provide for a comprehensive
system of creekside trails, roadside
pathways, equestrian trails, multi-use trails
and bikeways to connect neighborhoods,
schools, commercial, and recreation areas,
in accordance with the Bikeway and Trail
Plan.
1. Require all subdivisions and developments to provide bikeway and trail
alignments and facilities consistent with the Bikeway and Trail Diagram
Error! Reference source not found. and any applicable Bicycle
Transportation Plans.
On-going and completed
as a part of the City’s
adopted Bicycle Master
Plan.
2. The Bikeway and Trail system shall be comprised of Class I, Class II,
Class III and multi-use trails that are appropriate the location and
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
projected use as defined in Error! Reference source not found..
3. Adopt and maintain a Bicycle Transportation Plan that will provide
development standards and classifications for all trail corridors.
Adopted in 2012.
4. Road abandonment request shall be reviewed for potential trail locations.
Where roads are not desirable but pedestrian access would provide a
public benefit a trail right-of-way shall be provided.
On-going.
5. Access, protection, and expansion of the historic De Anza Trail is a high
priority. On-going and active with
De Anza Trail Grant.
6. Local bikeway and trail projects shall be coordinated with regional
projects whenever possible.
On-going.
7. Develop a trail master plan for Atascadero Creek between Camelita Road
and the Salinas River.
On-going.
8. A pedestrian and bicycle connection between Atascadero and Templeton
shall be coordinated with SLOCOG, San Luis Obispo County and
Caltrans.
On-going and active with
De Anza Trail Grant.
9. Provide a system of pedestrian and equestrian trailhead access points to
the Salinas River corridor that prevent motor vehicle access.
On-going.
10. Require that all major subdivisions and lot line adjustments involving 20
or more lots to provide a bikeway and trail plan.
On-going.
11. Work with private property owners on the westside of town to establish
formal trails and maintain access to existing trails.
On-going.
12. Plan for a pedestrian and equestrian bridge across the Salinas River at
Curbaril Avenue
On-going.
Policy 2.2: Accommodate bicycles at
major destinations including downtown, bus
stops, schools, and other public facilities.
1. Encourage the use of bicycles by designing bicycle facilities and access
points into all new development projects.
On-going as a part of the
development review
process.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
2. Require adequate and safe bicycle access and bicycle parking in
conjunction with new development.
On-going as a part of the
development review
process.
Policy 2.3: Promote walking as an
alternative to vehicle travel in retail district
and multi-family areas.
3. Develop pedestrian-friendly design standards that apply to all residential
and commercial projects and require construction of adequate sidewalks
and/or pedestrian trails in new development.
On-going as a part of the
development review
process.
4. In conjunction with the Safe-Routes to School Program, adopt and
maintain a sidewalk system map identifying the locations of required
sidewalks. The system will consist of continuous routes that connect
higher density neighborhoods, schools, parks, shopping areas, and work
places.
On-going.
5. Sidewalks shall not be required in single-family areas with lot sizes of ½
acre and greater, but walkable shoulders and / or trails will be required.
On-going
6. Enhance the Downtown streetscape so that it is an enjoyable experience
for pedestrians.
On-going and completed
with Lewis Avenue
Bridge, El Camino Real
Bridge and other
streetscape
improvements completed
as a part of the RDA
program.
Policy 3.1: Promote alternatives to
single-occupancy vehicle travel, particularly
for commute trips.
1. Seek funding for programs that promote transit, ridesharing, bicycling and
walking.
On-going.
2. Support efforts to improve shuttle service to downtown and major
shopping and employment centers.
On-going.
Policy 3.2: Encourage expansion of
public transit as needed to meet the
changing needs of the area for local and
regional access, including fixed route and
demand response where appropriate.
1. Work with Central Coast Area Transit and SLORTA to encourage use of
local and regional public transit.
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
2. Provide fixed routed transit with bus shelters along El Camino Real.
On-going.
3. Support and encourage the use and expansion of Park & Ride facilities.
On-going.
Policy 3.3: Comply with the
Transportation Demand Management
program requirements of the San Luis
Obispo County Clean Air Plan to reduce
peak period trip generation.
1. Support programs to encourage employers to promote transit use, such
as flexible work schedules.
On-going.
Safety & Noise
Policy 1.1: Support response programs
that provide emergency and other services
to the public when a disaster occurs.
1. Provide required training to ensure the readiness of response teams.
On-going.
2. Follow statewide Standardized Emergency Management System
procedures.
On-going.
3. Reduce the time and effort required to obtain permits for emergency
repair work, including coordinating with State and Federal agencies prior
to any event.
On-going.
4. Maintain and upgrade critical facilities. On-going.
Policy 1.2: Help prepare and organize
residents to respond appropriately to
disasters.
1. Support education in the schools that teaches children how to avoid
dangers and behave during an emergency.
On-going.
2. Support the efforts of many organizations – government, radio,
newspapers and TV stations, utilities, emergency response providers, the
Office of Emergency Services, and our health community – that provide
outreach and education to the community.
On-going.
3. Support the efforts and education of people with disabilities to respond
appropriately to emergencies.
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
4. Develop an emergency evacuation program for the neighborhoods in the
west hills that are subject to high fire hazards.
On-going.
5. Coordinate circulation element street designations and road improvement
projects with evacuation routes.
On-going.
Policy 1.3: Coordinate with County and
State agencies, news media, and others
working to reduce the risks of disasters
through effective preparedness, response
and recovery.
1. Establish a Point of Information (PIO) to meet with agency and media
representatives.
On-going.
Policy 1.4: Expand and update the
database of safety related information,
including Geographic Information System
(GIS) data, and convey that information to
the public and decision makers.
1. Maintain an updated City GIS hazard map with information on fire hazard
areas, native plant fuel loads, flood zones, un-reinforced masonry
buildings, underground storage tanks, landslide areas, earthquake faults,
pipelines, high voltage electrical transmission lines, railroads, state
highways, underground storage tanks, and evacuation routes.
On-going.
2. Seek from other government, academic and private organizations new
data that can be used for emergency preparedness and response.
On-going.
3. Share hazard information with nearby jurisdictions, private and public
organizations, and the general public.
On-going.
Policy 1.5: Perform assessments aimed
at reducing or eliminating long-term risks to
improve the efficiency and decrease the cost
of disaster response and recovery.
1. Assist with public and private rebuilding efforts, provision of housing for
displaced residents, and resumption of service, business and government
functions.
On-going.
2. Provide assistance to agencies and organizations involved in disaster
recovery.
On-going.
3. Identify agencies needed to participate in assessing damage, providing
citizens with care and shelter, and repairing critical infrastructure.
On-going.
4. Ensure duplicate storage of essential City records. On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
Policy 2.1: Enforce federal regulations
regarding placement of structures in
floodplains, and maintain appropriate
standards for development in flood-prone
and poorly drained areas (refer to Figure II-
8).
1. Augment existing GIS and other data regarding low-lying areas with
information obtained during storms.
On-going.
2. Develop a prioritized list of proposed capital improvement projects for
low-lying, flood-prone areas, and seek funding for those projects.
On-going.
3. Perform flood-related preventive maintenance and repair, and ensure that
all flood-related work in riparian areas minimizes impacts to biological
resources.
On-going.
Policy 2.3: Prepare the City to respond
to flood emergencies.
1. Train City personnel to a level appropriate to their positions and
responsibilities to respond to flood emergencies.
On-going.
2. Require new subdivisions to construct a system of all weather emergency
access connections consistent with the City's Emergency Evacuation
Plan.
On-going.
3. Identify and map appropriate evacuation routes for neighborhoods along
the Salinas River.
On-going.
Policy 2.4: Minimize the risk of dam
failure.
1. Work with State and Federal agencies to assist with inspection and
maintenance of the Salinas and Atascadero Lake Dams.
On-going.
2. Maintain a dam failure evacuation plan to guide public officials that
includes use of the emergency alert system to notify the public.
On-going.
Policy 3.1: Carefully site and configure
new development in higher fire risk areas
1. Encourage the clustering of lots and buildings in higher fire hazard areas
to reduce the need for multiple response teams during fires.
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
2. Require Fire Department and Atascadero Mutual Water Company review
of subdivision design to ensure adequate fire flows and access for
emergency vehicles, and compliance of structures with Fire and Building
Codes.
On-going.
3. Require fire resistant material in building construction in fire hazard areas.
On-going.
4. Require defensible space around all structures, especially in higher fire
hazard areas.
On-going.
Policy 3.2: Plan for adequate facilities,
equipment, and personnel to meet fire
fighting demands.
1. Update the Fire Department Master Plan every five years.
On-going.
2. Continue to plan for future facility, equipment, communication system,
and personnel requirements.
On-going.
3. Coordinate with the County to obtain information generated during the
update of the Salinas River Area Plan relevant to improving fire
suppression capabilities.
On-going.
Policy 3.3:. Sustain the ability of the Fire
Department to respond to emergencies.
1. Prepare, adopt, and maintain standards of coverage for the Fire
Department specific to the geography of Atascadero.
On-going.
2. Maintain mutual aid agreements with other fire and emergency service
agencies in rural areas of the community
On-going.
3. Train Fire Department personnel in wildfire risk assessment. On-going.
4. Maintain a fire-related GIS database to assist decision-makers with
analyzing development proposals, and update the database when new
CDF/County Fire Department fire hazard severity maps become
On-going and Fire
Department reviews
development proposal
based on the
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
available. construction or
entitlement type.
5. Develop GIS based fuel load mapping in conjunction with the native tree
mapping program.
Implemented.
6. Provide ongoing fire prevention public education programs. On-going.
7. Develop and codify uniform standards for maximum slope of streets,
driveways, and fire access roads for all new development.
Implemented and
codified in both the
subdivision and zoning
ordinance.
8. Continue to cooperate with the Atascadero Mutual Water Company to
improve and expand fire flows and hydrant locations.
On-going.
Policy 3.4: Adopt programs to reduce
the impacts of fires.
1. Develop regulations that balance the need for defensible area around
homes with the preservation of Native Trees and habitats.
On-going.
2. Inform homeowners of fire dangers, appropriate responses to fire, and
ways to prevent loss.
On-going.
3. Continue to promote the efforts of the Fire Safe Council. On-going.
4. Train fire fighters to educate property owners and the public.
On-going.
5. Require Fire Department review of development plans to assure
adequacy of access for equipment, water supplies, construction
standards, and vegetation clearance.
Implemented. Fire
Department reviews
development plans to
ensure fire safety
standards are met.
6. Ensure that sufficient water supplies are available for protection of
structures and encourage built-in fire protection systems such as
sprinklers.
On-going.
7. Require the installation of residential fire sprinklers on new construction in
all areas with a fire response time of 8-minutes or greater.
Implemented. California
Building Codes now
require fire sprinklers in
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
new construction for all
residential and non-
residential applications.
8. Amend to Municipal code to require the installation of fire sprinkler
systems of all commercial and industrial buildings regardless of size.
Implemented. California
Building Codes now
require fire sprinklers in
new construction for all
residential and non-
residential applications.
9. Support the Memorandum of Understanding between the Atascadero City
Fire Department and the Air Pollution Control District that allows burning
within the Urban Reserve Line of Atascadero where a fire hazard is
present and the vegetation cannot be abated by any other means or other
alternatives.
On-going with CalFire.
Policy 4.1: Ensure that developments,
structures, and public facilities adequately
address geologic and seismic hazards.
1. Disseminate information to the public to improve awareness of geologic
hazards and seismic safety.
On-going.
2. Continually update information about faults and geologic hazards
(including GIS data and geologic and fault mapping), and encourage the
California Division of Mines and Geology to provide new and updated
geologic hazard data for inclusion in the database.
On-going.
3. Conduct studies to assess seismic activity within the Nacimiento fault
zone in the southwestern part of the City and SOI prior to approving
construction of new structures in the mapped fault traces.
4. When projects are proposed in geologically hazardous areas, require
development applicants to submit reports, technical documents, and
plans reviewed by a State-licensed independent geologist or geotechnical
engineer, and that include that expert’s opinion as to whether documents
were prepared in accordance with standard practices, applicable codes,
and regulations pertaining to geologic hazards.
On-going.
Policy 4.2: Ensure that structures are
designed and located to withstand strong
1. Enforce UBC provisions pertaining to grading and construction relative to As a part of the building
permit process, the City
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
groundshaking, liquefaction, and seismic
settlement.
seismic hazards.
enforces all aspects of
the California Building
Code, as adopted by the
City.
2. Update the UBC as necessary to promote seismic safety in structural
designs.
On-going.
3. Enforce UBC requirements for addressing liquefaction potential in the
design of structures.
On-going.
4. Require geotechnical studies for development in areas with moderate to
high liquefaction potential that include analysis of seismic settlement
potential and specify appropriate mitigation.
On-going.
Policy 4.3: Avoid development in areas
at risk for slope failure when possible, and
ensure that hillside developments employ
appropriate design and construction
techniques.
1. Continue to require slope stability assessments by appropriate registered
professionals for developments in areas of known slope instability,
landslides, or slopes steeper than 10 percent.
On-going.
2. Require slope stability studies for subdivisions prior to delineating lot lines
and building envelopes.
On-going based on slope
selection of sites.
3. Prohibit new development in areas of high risk landslide activity, unless
plans demonstrate prior to development that the hazard can be reduced
to a less than significant level.
On-going.
4. Prohibit expansion of existing structures or developments in areas of high
risk landslide activity, except when it will reduce the potential for loss of
life and property.
On-going.
5. Require development proposals to mitigate landslide and slope stability
impacts on neighboring property, structures, and infrastructure.
On-going.
6. Enforce UBC provisions and other applicable ordinances regulating
development on sloping ground.
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
Policy 4.4:. Improve the ability of City
personnel to respond to seismic
emergencies.
1. Train City personnel to a level appropriate to their position and
responsibilities to adequately and safely respond to seismic emergencies.
On-going.
Policy 5.1: Reduce the potential for
exposure to humans and the environment
from hazardous substances.
1. Require businesses that use, store, or transport hazardous materials to
ensure that adequate measures are taken to protect public health and
safety
On-going.
2. Work with Caltrans to require all transport of hazardous materials to
follow approved routes.
On-going.
3. Work with Union Pacific to ensure adequate precaution and
preparedness regarding rail transport of hazardous materials.
On-going.
4. Coordinate with AMWC to protect well fields from hazardous materials.
On-going.
Policy 5.2: Reduce the potential for
pesticide exposure to humans and the
environment.
1. Ensure that emergency first responders and dispatch operators know to
contact the County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office for technical
assistance in the event of a pesticide-related emergency.
On-going.
2. Work with pesticide applicators (including commercial users and
homeowners) to ensure necessary measures are taken to protect public
health and safety.
On-going.
3. Provide information and technical guidance to encourage implementation
of Integrated Pest Management strategies.
On-going.
Policy 5.3: Minimize potential hazards
and spills from oil and gas pipelines and
underground storage tanks.
1. Work with pipeline owners and operators and appropriate County and
State agencies to develop adequate prevention and cleanup strategies.
On-going.
2. Work with property owners, AMWC and County Environmental Health to
abate Leaking underground storage tanks and monitor existing tanks for
leakage.
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
Policy 5.4: Support County efforts to
maintain a high level of radiation emergency
preparedness and ensure that the public
receives necessary information about the
Diablo Canyon Power Plant.
1. Coordinate with County and PG&E to review and update information
about emergency preparedness and evacuations.
On-going.
Policy 5.5: Address unreinforced
masonry buildings consistent with State
Law.
1. Continue to require reinforcement necessary to meet adopted structural
standards of buildings identified pursuant to State law.
On-going.
2. Work with property owners and the redevelopment agency to develop
programs to reinforce and preserve historic masonry structures within the
downtown district.
With the dissolution of
the RDA, the City
continues to work with
building owners to
reinforce UMB’s in the
City on a case by case
basis.
3. Utilize GIS to map the location of all unreinforced masonry buildings in
the City.
Implemented. The
Building Division
maintains and updates
this list as buildings are
removed or reinforced.
Noise
Policy 1. The noise standards in this chapter represent maximum acceptable noise levels. New development
should minimize noise exposure and noise generation. The City shall maintain a Noise Ordinance that implements the
requirements of the Noise Element.
On-going.
Policy 2. New development of noise -sensitive land uses shall not be permitted in areas exposed to existing or
projected future levels of noise from transportation noise sources which exceed 60 dBn or CNEL (70 Ld,/CNEL for
playgrounds and neighborhood parks) unless the project design includes effective mitigation measures to reduce noise
in outdoor activity areas and interior spaces to or below the levels specified for the given land use in Error! Reference
source not found..
On-going.
Policy 3. Noise created by new transportation noise sources, including roadway improvement projects, shall be
mitigated so as not to exceed the levels specified in Error! Reference source not found. within the outdoor activity areas
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
and interior spaces of existing noise sensitive land uses.
Policy 4. New development of noise-sensitive land uses shall not be permitted where the noise level due to
existing stationary noise sources will exceed the nois e level standards of Error! Reference source not found. unless
effective noise mitigation measures have been incorporated into the design of the development to reduce noise
exposure to or below the levels specified in Error! Reference source not found..
On-going and reviewed
based on noise sensitive
land uses.
Policy 5. Noise created by new proposed stationary noise sources or existing stationary noise sources which
undergo modifications that may increase noise levels shall be mitigated so as not to exceed the noise level standards
of Error! Reference source not found. on lands designated for noise-sensitive uses. This policy does not apply to noise
levels associated with agricultural operations.
On-going.
Policy 6. The City shall consider implementing mitigation measures where existi ng noise levels produce
significant noise impacts to noise-sensitive land uses or where new development may result in cumulative increases of
noise upon noise-sensitive land uses.
On-going.
1. The City shall review new public and private development propos als to
determine conformance with the policies of this Noise Element.
On-going.
2. Allow noise barriers and modifications to buildings containing noise-
sensitive uses only when site planning alone cannot adequately
accomplish noise reduction.
On-going.
3. Require all noise barriers and sound attenuation walls to be constructed
of architecturally attractive materials and buffered with landscaping.
On-going.
4. Amend the zoning ordinance to require masonry sound attenuation
barriers between commercial and residential districts.
On-going.
5. When mitigation must be applied to satisfy the policies in Chapter 3.3, the
following priorities for mitigation shall be observed, where feasible:
First: Setbacks/open space separation
Second: Site layout/orientation/shielding of noise-sensitive uses with
non-noise-sensitive uses
Third: Construction of earthen berms
Fourth: Structural measures: acoustical treatment of buildings and noise
barriers constructed of concrete, wood, or materials other than earth
On-going
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
6. Where the development of a project subject to discretionary approval may
result in land uses being exposed to existing or projected future noise
levels exceeding the levels specified by the policies, the City shall require
an acoustical analysis at the time the application is accepted for
processing. For development not subject to discretionary approval and/or
environmental review, the requirements for an acoustical analysis shall
be implemented prior to the issuance of a building permit. The
requirements for the content of an acoustical analysis are given in the
following section.
On-going based on the
type of use proposed.
7. The City shall develop and employ procedures to ensure that noise
mitigation measures required pursuant to an acoustical analysis are
implemented in the development review and building permit processes.
On-going.
8. The City shall develop and employ procedures to monitor compliance
with the policies of the Noise Element after completion of projects
requiring noise mitigation.
On-going.
9. The City shall enforce the State Noise Insulation Standards (California
Code of Regulations, Title 24) and Chapter 35 of the Uniform Building
Code (UBC).
On-going.
10. The City shall request the California Highway Patrol, the County Sheriff,
and local police departments to actively enforce the California Vehicle
Code sections relating to adequate vehicle mufflers.
On-going.
11. The City shall purchase new equipment and vehicles only if they comply
with noise level performance standards based upon the best available
noise reduction technology. Alternatives to the use of existing noisy
equipment, such as leaf blowers, shall be pursued.
On-going.
12. The City shall periodically review and update the Noise Element to
ensure that noise exposure information and specific policies are
consistent with changing conditions within the City and with noise control
regulations or policies enacted after the adoption of this element.
On-going.
13. The City shall make the Acoustical Design Manual available to the public
so that the public can incorporate noise reduction measures into private
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
projects consistent with the goals and policies of this Noise Element.
14. The City shall consider one or more of the following mitigation measures
where existing noise levels significantly impact existing noise-sensitive
land uses or where cumulative increase in noise levels resulting from new
development significantly impact noise-sensitive land uses:
a) Rerouting traffic onto streets that have low traffic volume onto
streets that do not adjoin noise-sensitive land uses.
b) Rerouting trucks onto streets that do not adjoin noise-sensitive
land uses.
c) Construction of noise barriers.
d) Lowering speed limits
e) Acoustical treatment of buildings
f) Programs to pay for noise mitigation such as low cost loans to
owners of noise-impacted property or establishment by developer
fees.
On-going.
Section 3 – 2012 Housing Element Progress Report
Attachment 1
page 1 of 9
-
0 21 0
SU R
O/R
OSF
MF
Deed
Restricted
Units
0
0
0
2 0
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202 )
Jurisdiction City of Atascadero
Housing with Financial Assistance
and/or
Deed Restrictions
0
Reporting Period 2007
1 2
Housing Development Information
Project Identifier
(may be APN No.,
project name or
address)
6 7
40
0
0
Note below the number of units
determined to be affordable without
financial or deed restrictions and
attach an explanation how the
jurisdiction determined the units were
affordable. Refer to instructions.
2-4
* Note: These fields are voluntary
(10) Total by income Table A/A3 ► ► 8 12
0
(9) Total of Moderate and Above Moderate from Table A3 ► ► ► ► ► ►
27
Total Units
per
Project
2
8
Housing without
Financial Assistance
or Deed Restrictions
SF O 0
Assistance
Programs
for Each
Development
Tenure
R=Renter
O=Owner
Affordability by Household Incomes
Unit
Category
5 5a
Est. # Infill
Units*
6
3 4
Very Low-
Income
Low-
Income
O
Moderate-
Income
0
Above
Moderate-
Income See Instructions See
Instructions
50
0
11
0
Table A
97
0
27
12
2
6 moderate units Sold or sales
price deemed affordable using
County housing formula
0
12 moderate units Sold or sales
price deemed affordable using
County housing formula
Slo Rent's Survey contained in
City's Housing Element
0
0
21 moderate units Sold or sales
price deemed affordable using
County housing formula
120
8 moderate units Sold or sales
price deemed affordable using
County housing formula
People's Self-Help Housing
Project
30-year deed
restricted per
affordable
housing policy
4
2014
Annual Building Activity Report Summary - New Construction
Very Low-, Low-, and Mixed-Income Multifamily Projects
(11) Total Extremely Low-Income Units*
Dove Creek Single
Family Units Portion
Dove Creek Master 2-
4 Units Portion
Projects with 25 units
or less (2nd Units)
Las Lomas
Apartments
Oak Grove Phase II /
People's Self-Help
6
12
Dove Creek Multi-
Family Portion MF O 4 25
30-year deed
restricted per
affordable
housing policy
8
USA loan
income
verification for
self-help
housing
USDA Loans
Attachment 1
page 2 of 9
-
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202 )
Jurisdiction City of Atascadero
Reporting Period 2007 2014
0 0
Table A3
Very Low-
Income
Low-
Income
(3) Acquisition of Units
(4) The Description should adequately document how each unit complies with
subsection (c )(7) of Government Code Section 65583.1
0
0
0
0
(1) Rehabilitation Activity 0 00
Annual building Activity Report Summary for Above Moderate-Income Units
(not including those units reported on Table A)
* Note: This field is voluntary
* Note: This field is voluntary
0
4.
Second Unit
Extremely
Low-
Income*
TOTAL
UNITS
Please note: Units may only be credited to the table below when a jurisdiction has included a program it its housing element to rehabilitate, preserve or acquire units
to accommodate a portion of its RHNA which meet the specific criteria as outlined in GC Section 65583.1(c)(1)
Activity Type
1.
Single Family
3. 5+
Units
Affordability by Household Incomes
2.
2 - 4 Units
(2) Preservation of Units At-Risk 0
0
6.
Total
Annual Building Activity Report Summary - Units Rehabilitated, Preserved and Acquired pursuant
to GC Section 65583.1(c)(1)
No. of Units Permitted for
Above Moderate
(5) Total Units by Income 0 0
0 0
0
0
4
5.
Mobile Homes
050
7.
Number of
infill units*
100
1
No. of Units Permitted for
Moderate 00 1 0
Table A2
Attachment 1
page 3 of 9
-
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202 )
Jurisdiction City of Atascadero
Reporting Period 2007 2014
0
Note: units serving extremely low-income households are included in the very low-income permitted units totals.
3 48
11
Total Units ► ► ►
Total
Remaining RHNA
by Income LevelYear
3Income Level
RHNA
Allocation by
Income Level
52
12 120
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
90
74
33
101
2
0
0
0
8
1
0
0
16
16
20142010 Total Units
to Date
(all years)Year
4
Year
1
Year
5
Table B
Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress
2013
Very Low
Deed
Restricted
Non-deed
restricted
74
88
9
Deed
RestrictedLow
Deed
RestrictedModerate
0
2Non-deed
restricted
Non-deed
restricted
0
153
309
194
Remaining Need for RHNA Period ► ► ► ► ►
194 32
103
12
29
Total RHNA by COG.
Enter allocation number:462
10
13
5
8
Above Moderate 121
134
14
Year
6
4
106
2
Permitted Units Issued by Affordability
Enter Calendar Year starting with the first year of
the RHNA allocation period. See Example.
0
Year
8
Year
7
2008 2009 2011 20122007
0
Year
2
0
4
22
Attachment 1
page 4 of 9
-
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202 )
Jurisdiction City of Atascadero
Reporting Period 2007 2014
Housing Programs Progress Report - Government Code Section 65583.
Describe progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance,
improvement, and development of housing as identified in the housing element.
At this time, Staff feels the inclusionary policy provides the flexibility
necessary to provide affordable units. Council may direct staff to
continue to explore adoption of an inclusionary housing policy.
As a part of the housing element implementation program, this
ordinance will be updated in summer 2013.
70 units
40 units
N/A
50 units
Staff is working these organizations providing support where
necessary. During this reporting period, Non-Profits have produced 8
very low income units and 8 low income units. See 2012 reporting
data.
1.1.7 Downtown Housing 20 units
Staff will continue to work with developers of the Colony Square
project for redesign of the residential units. This compoent remains
as a part of the development. Additional funding that may have been
available through the RDA is no longer available due to the
dissolution of the Agency.
Program Description
(By Housing Element Program Names)
Name of Program Objective Timeframe
in H.E.Status of Program Implementation
1.1.1 Un-accomodated need from
previous RHNA (2001-2006)
Adequate sites for 2001-2006
RHNA Completed
1.1.2 Provide adequate sites
146 low and very low income
units at 20 units per acre for
2007-2014 RHNA
Completed City Council amended the zoning code and general plan for adequate
sites as a part of the City's Housing Element adoption
The City amended the General Plan and the Zoning Ordinance, that
provided adequate sites for 505 very low and low-income units at a
minimum of 20 dwelling units per acre “by right” (without a
Conditional Use Permit or other discretionary action) on certain sites
or in certain zones. At least half (50 percent) of these sites were
zoned for residential uses only as a part of the housing element
adoption.
On-going
1.1.8 PD Overlays / PD 25 On-going75 Units
1.1.3 Street and Infrastructure
Improvement Projects N/A On-going
1.1.4 Specific Plans for residential
projects of 100 or more units On-going
1.1.6 Support the extension and
expansion of sewer service for the
Eagle Ranch
On-going
1.1.5 Continue to Allow Manufactured
Housing and Group Housing
1.1.13 Updating 2nd Unit Ordinance 2012
1.1.15 Adopt vertical mixed-use
ordinance 2014 Staff has yet to begin work on this ordinance.
1.1.9 Rural Residential Zone 2014
Staff has yet to begin work on this ordinance. Projected ordinance
work may commence in the fall of 2013 for completion by early
summer 2014.
1.1.12 Adopt an inclusionary housing
ordinance 2013
N/A
1.1.10 Adopt an affordable housing
density bonus ordinance that
establishes procedures for obtaining
and monitoring density bonuses
1.1.11 Update feasibility analysis of
inclusionary housing policy to reflect
current market conditions
25 units
2012
2013
N/A
City staff has reviewed work from consultant. Based on market
trends and the uptick on older projects, the affordable housing policy
in place is working. Additional work may be directed by the City
Council.
N/A On-going Staff has no intentions on modifying this ordinance at this time.
Staff is working on this new ordinance. City Council and Planning
Commission is expect to review and adopt new ordinance by summer
2013.
Staff will continue to encourage use of PDs for high quality design.
N/A
Provide 20 Units
100 affordable units On-going
The City will be working with the developers of the Eagle Ranch
Specific Plan to identify location and the size of expansion necessary
to accommodate growth in that area
Only one project (Eagle Ranch) meets this criteria at this time.
Applicants are completing a Specific Plan.
Table C
Program Implementation Status
On-going on a per project basis.
Since 2007, 11 manufactured units have been issued
1.1.14 Maintain Condo Conversion
Ordinance
1.1.16 Continue to work with non-profits On-going
Attachment 1
page 5 of 9
-
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202 )
Jurisdiction City of Atascadero
Reporting Period 2007 2014
Attachment 1
page 6 of 9
-
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202 )
Jurisdiction City of Atascadero
Reporting Period 2007 2014
N/A City staff continues to work with developers and homeowners to help
site and development to avoid environmental impacts.
N/A
3.1.3 Title 24 compliance
3.1.4 AB 811 implementation
4.1.1 Temporary use of churches as
homeless shelters
Status of Program Implementation
2.1.5 Monitor Subsidies/affordability
2.1.4 Allocate funds in the RDA housing
set aside for rehabilitation
N/A
N/A
on-going Staff provides necessary assistance in completing applications for
funds
on-going
2.1.1 investigate ways to meet its
housing needs through rehabilitation
and preservation of existing units
30 units on-going
While this is on-going, the City has lost its primary funding tool when
the RDA was dissolved. The City will continue to find ways to
rehabilitate structures.
Program Description
(By Housing Element Program Names)
Housing Programs Progress Report - Government Code Section 65583.
Describe progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance,
improvement, and development of housing as identified in the housing element.
Name of Program Objective Timeframe
in H.E.
1.1.18 Continue contract for Section 8
housing participation
1.1.17 Work with developers to help
obtain loans
The City continues its contract with the San Luis Obispo Housing
Agency.
The City will continue to maintain its sliding scale of density for
sloped lots.
3.1.1 Promote environmentally
sustainable building practices on-going
suspended
2.2.1 Continue to implement Historic Site
overlay district
1.1.19 Amend the zoning ordinance to
establish minimum density for medium
and high density uses
2014
The City added minimum density standards to RMF-20 as a part of
the housing element update. The City has yet to begin
implementation of RMF-10 standards.
1.11.20 Two story height limit wavier in
RMF Zone with CUP N/A 2012
Staff has yet to commence this ordinance. This will be reviewed and
possibly completed as a part of the housing element implementation
plan for summer of 2013.
40 units
N/A
N/A
2.1.2 Participate in federal grant
programs 25 units on-going The City will continue to participate in obtaining these funds and will
seek how to gain additional grants with the loss of the RDA.
2.1.3 Maintain sliding scale ordinance on-going
on-going
The City's RDA was dissolved in 2/1/2012 because of state
legislation. The continuation of this program will be evaluated based
on the outcome of what the State wants to do with the City's existing
RDA housing fund.
N/A
N/A
N/A
This program has been suspended due to pending litigation because
fannie and freddie mac would not issue loans.
The City continues to encourage local churches to provide temporary
shelters for the homeless population.
In partnership with PG&E and San Luis Obispo Green Build, there
are various brochures available to homeowners that detail energy
conservation.
The City's building department continues to enforce Title 24
requirements upon review of building plans that require energy
reports.
on-goingN/A
on-going
on-going
suspended
on-going
on-going
The City will continue to maintain this overlay district to preserve and
protect historic colony homes.
The City continues to maintain GIS data in regards to historic
buildings and sites.
2.2.2 Maintain GIS mapping of historic
building and sites
3.1.2 Energy Conservation Outreach
N/A
City Staff continues to monitor the status of affordable housing rental
units and for sale units in partnership with the SLO County Housing
Authority
Table C
Program Implementation Status
50 units
Attachment 1
page 7 of 9
-
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202 )
Jurisdiction City of Atascadero
Reporting Period 2007 2014
75 units
This program has been suspended due to the dissolution of the RDA.
This program may be continued once direction is given by the State
on the future of the City's Housing set aside fund.
N/A
N/A
The City will continue to utilize the checklist to evaluate affordable
housing projects for any potential future funding that may become
available.
City Staff continues to work with developers, key stakeholders, and
property owners on overcoming constraints in project design to help
facilitate financing.
Table C
Program Implementation Status
Program Description
(By Housing Element Program Names)
Housing Programs Progress Report - Government Code Section 65583.
Describe progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance,
improvement, and development of housing as identified in the housing element.
4.1.3 Residential Care facilities on-going
4.3.3 Housing Rehabilitation Funds suspended
4.3.4 Affordable Housing Participation
Checklist on-going
5.1.2 Constraints on financing for multi--
family development
4.3.2 Leverage Redevelopment Funds
4.1.4 SB 2 Compliance
Objective
4.2.1 ADA Compliance with California
Building Code
4.2.2 Reasonable Accommodations -
Fair Housing Act N/A 2012 City Staff solicited a proposal for completion of this ordinance. The
Contract is on hold due to the dissolution of the RDA
40 units
The City will continue to work with local non-profits and obtain CDBG
grant funding for this program
City Staff continues to comply with ADA standards for new and
change of occupancy building projectson-going
N/A4.1.2 Local Motel Vouchers
4.3.1 First time buyers program for Low-
Income households 5 units suspended This program has been suspended due to the dissolution of the RDA.
Staff will seek any grant funding available to continue this program.
The City continues to support proper permitting of group housing in
accordance with state law. The City will initiate changes to the RMF
zoning that clarifies that both small and larger residential care
facilities are permitted by right in a future code update.
5.2.1 Development Standards and
Construction methods on-going As City staff identifies issues with the municipal code and advance
construction methods, the City will amend the code as necessary.
Name of Program Timeframe
in H.E.Status of Program Implementation
on-going
suspended
Staff continues this practice for ease of tracking.
This program has been suspended due to the dissolution of the RDA.
This program may be continued once direction is given by the State
on the future of the City's Housing set aside fund.
2012
N/A
suspended The City created 2 units through this program. At this time the
program has been suspended due to the dissolution of the RDA.
on-going RDA funds are no longer available. City Staff will work with non-
profits for any grant funding opportunities.
on-going City Staff attend economic roundtables and other events as
continuing education of these impacts.
N/A
n/a
The City tracks all housing projects and provides status updates to
both the Council and Planning Commission.
on-going
on-going
SB 2 ordinance is expected to be adopted by the City Council with
public meetings in the summer of 2013.
N/A
6.1.1 Consolidating all actions relating
to a specific project
N/A5.2.2 Track affordable housing projects
4.3.5 2nd Floor Downtown Residential
Units
4.3.4 Work with non-profits to identify
funding sources for very-low/extremely
low income groups
5.1.1 Understanding economic and
employment impacts on housing
10 units
5 units
N/A
on-going
N/A
Attachment 1
page 8 of 9
-
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202 )
Jurisdiction City of Atascadero
Reporting Period 2007 2014
The City created the Design Review Committee in 2010 to help with
project streamlining and review. The DRC has been helpful in
working out issues that normally would have been dealt by Planning
Commission or simply at a staff level.
Stock plans are available for larger projects.6.1.4 Maintain pre-approved stock
development plans on-going
6.1.3 Process Streamlining on-going
on-going
2013
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A 2012
on-going
The City's process streamlining is already expediting projects.
Developers can defer development impact fees until final occupancy.
City Staff solicited a proposal for completion of this ordinance. The
Contract is on hold due to the dissolution of the RDA
N/A
N/A
6.1.5 Pre-Application and technical
assistance for affordable housing
projects
6.1.6 Incentives for developers for units
that are affordable to lower income
households
6.1.7 Single Room Occupancy policies
Staff utilized the DRC to make determinations that may necessitate
further entitlement such as a CUP.
Staff provides pre-application and technical assistance to all projects
when requested.
6.1.2 Minor modifications through
adjustment procedure and substantial
changes through a CUP.
Name of Program Objective Timeframe
in H.E.Status of Program Implementation
N/A
Table C
Program Implementation Status
Program Description
(By Housing Element Program Names)
on-going
City Staff solicited a proposal for completion of this ordinance. The
Contract is on hold due to the dissolution of the RDA6.1.8 Review impact fees
Housing Programs Progress Report - Government Code Section 65583.
Describe progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance,
improvement, and development of housing as identified in the housing element.
Attachment 1
page 9 of 9
-
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202 )
Jurisdiction City of Atascadero
Reporting Period 2007 2014
General Comments: